On September 28, 2024, local government elections are set to take place in Anambra State, and accredited election observers have pledged to work closely with security agencies to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons that pose significant threats to the electoral process. Chris Azor, the Coordinator of the observer group, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ engagement in Awka, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that the elections proceed in a credible, violence-free, and peaceful manner. The collaboration aims to create a secure environment before, during, and after the elections, ultimately fostering a climate of trust and safety for all participants.
To effectively manage potential risks, the observer group outlined several strategies which include pre-election environment monitoring that focuses on identifying and addressing potential hotspots for violence. This proactive measure would involve voter education and awareness campaigns that highlight the dangers associated with small arms proliferation and stressed the importance of peaceful electoral conduct. By including community outreach programs, they intend to engage the public directly, fostering a collective responsibility among citizens to safeguard the election process against violence and disturbances.
During the elections, the observer team will monitor voting centers closely while also staying vigilant about areas considered prone to violent incidents. Azor stated the crucial need for “intentional and deliberate post-election monitoring” to identify and mitigate any potential unrest or negative fallout following the elections. This vigilance is essential, given the exacerbated security concerns faced by Anambra State and the broader South-East region, which has seen an alarming rise in electoral violence, banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings linked to the unchecked spread of small arms.
The election observation effort aims to mobilize over 100 observers across the state, complemented by the establishment of a Situation Room Coordination Centre in Awka. This central hub will facilitate real-time collaboration among observers and enhance the prompt reporting of incidents and activities during the electoral exercise. The systematic approach intends to create a comprehensive oversight mechanism that would help in achieving the desired electoral outcomes, focusing on curbing violence and ensuring a smooth transition post-elections.
In their appeal to political parties and candidates, the observers urged for commitments to uphold peaceful conduct, engage stakeholders positively, and avoid any forms of violence. They stressed the importance of mutual respect among all participants and urged security agencies to maintain neutrality and fairness throughout the election process, thereby strengthening trust in the electoral system. The call for upholding human rights and the rule of law is critical to fostering an environment conducive to free and fair elections.
Lastly, the observer group commended the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) for displaying a strong commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Through collaborative efforts between the observers, security agencies, political parties, and civil society, the aim is to create a safe electoral atmosphere where eligible voters can exercise their rights without fear or coercion. This collective responsibility and vigilance are considered essential to achieving not only a successful election on September 28, 2024, but also to protecting the democratic values that underpin the community.
