Only those who win on the ballot will be declared winners – PLASIEC

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has said that the commission will ensure that only popular candidates who win elections on the ballot will be declared winners and returned elected. This according to the commission is critical deepening Democracy is the hinterlands which according to them is most critical and the commission is confident in the support of the Executive Governor of Plateau State to deliver on that mandate.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Commission Hon Plangji Chishak during a familiarization visit by the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) at the commission office in Jos on Wednesday 19th June, 2024. “The most important thing is the motive that we carry. To see that the election is properly conducted. Those who win the election will be declared as winners.” he said.

Hon Chishak explained the importance of assignment before him and other members of the commission and used the opportunity thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang for carefully selecting them for the task. “I want to thank His Excellency for trusting us with this kind of huge assignment. This is a very, very sensitive assignment, and that is why he carefully selected the members of this commission. And by the grace of God, Plassey will never be the same again.”

He assured the people of Plateau State that all newly appointed commission members were in office not for their personal interests but the interest of the people. “We are here not for personal gains. We are here for any parochial interest. We are here to bring excellence in internal administration.”

“Some of us, we are not looking for employment, because we are doing our own thing. We cannot leave what we are doing and come here to play games. We are taking time to assess what we have here. We want to see the gaps that are here. Whether legal gaps, whether administrative gaps. We want to see how we can fill in the gaps. Because election management is very serious.”

He noted that the commission under his leadership will be transparent and ensure that global best practices are prioritized. “We know what global practices are when it comes to elections. Transparency, public opinions, and integrity. Processes are as important as the end of election. So we are coming here to do serious business. We are assuring you that beyond individuality, this institution will be bigger than individuality. We have also received calls from IFES and YIAGA Africa. We want to make this institution work.”

He assured that the commission would do justice and be fair in the conduct of elections in the coming months “So we are here to do justice. We are here for considerable justice. And to show fairness.”

While thanking members of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association on the behalf of the commission for their visit, Secretary of the Commission Mr Pam Davou (Esq) called fo constructive criticisms that will help the commission become better while re-echoing the commitment of the commission in delivering on her mandate. “…the Chairman and members, as you can see, are serious minded people. And I’m sure they will not give you reason to doubt the Commission. And one thing the Chairman said, that for me is key. Is that you are free to call us to order…Where you see something going wrong. You know, it will not be out of place for you to offer advice…”.