Jonathan also sued for peace before, during, and after the polls from political actors and other stakeholders in the state
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to provide a level-playing field during September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
He made the appeal on Thursday in a statement issued by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, saying only neutrality can guarantee a free and fair election.
He also sued for peace before, during, and after the polls, urging political actors and stakeholders to work towards deepening the nation’s democracy by prioritizing the peace and security of Edo state.
The ex-president went on to stress that the Edo election places a moral burden on state agencies especially the police and the INEC to rise to their constitutional responsibilities as independent arbiters in our democratic process.
He added that loss of confidence in “an election encourages political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy and increased polarization”
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He further noted that for democracy to endure, elections must be devoid of all forms of manipulation and state institutions must guarantee peaceful, credible and transparent elections.
Speaking via the statement, Jonathan said, “There is no doubt that loss of confidence in an election encourages political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy, increased polarization and other far-reaching consequences that could undermine development and democratic consolidation.
“As citizens of voting age in Edo State go to the polls for the governorship election on Saturday, September 21, 2024, I call on all political actors and stakeholders to work towards deepening the nation’s democracy by prioritizing peace and security of the state.
“Politicians must pursue their interests within the confines of the law and refrain from activities that could undermine the peace and stability of the state.
“It is encouraging that civil rule has endured in the Fourth Republic for 25 years but we should remind our people that democracy loses its value when citizens cannot exercise their political choices in a free and fair atmosphere.”
