Former President Goodluck Jonathan has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent voting process in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.

Jonathan said the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State placed a moral burden on state agencies, especially INEC and the police to rise to their constitutional responsibilities as independent arbiters in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The former president said this in a statement on Friday, September 20, 2024.

He called on state institutions involved in managing the election process to maintain neutrality, create a level playing field, and ensure free and fair election.

Jonathan noted: “Security agencies must conduct themselves in optimal neutrality and desist from actions that could alter the setting for a level-playing field and compromise the credibility of the electoral process.

“On its part, the INEC must live up to expectations as an unbiased umpire and inspire confidence in all actors through a transparent voting process.

Guber poll: INEC begins distribution of election materials in Edo

“There is no doubt that loss of confidence in an election encourages political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy, increased polarisation and other far-reaching consequences that could undermine development and democratic consolidation.

“For democracy to endure, our leadership recruitment process must be devoid of all forms of manipulation and state institutions have the obligation to guarantee peaceful, credible and transparent elections.

“That way, citizens will be able to elect leaders of their choice who they will entrust with the legitimacy to deliver good governance, peace and prosperity.”

Jonathan further urged politicians to pursue their interests within the confines of the law and refrain from activities that could undermine the peace and stability of Edo 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,” the former president added.

The Star