Daily Independent Online.
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Friday, June 11, 2004.
Commission proposes electoral reform
By Mbam Jacob
Special Correspondent,
Abakaliki
The forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions
(SIEC) in the South East has called on the government to introduce capacity
building measures and propose reforms that will enhance the commission’s
preparedness for future elections.
The forum, which comprises SIEC chairmen in Abia,
Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, made the call at the end of its
quarterly meeting at Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, where it reviewed its
activities since the 2003 elections.
The forum said it is satisfied with the conduct and
outcome of the March council elections, noting that it was peaceful, free and
fair.
However, it noted with dismay that elections had yet
to be conducted in Anambra State and expressed willingness to assist the state
to conduct peaceful, free and fair elections whenever it is scheduled.
The forum called on the government of Anambra to help
ensure that democracy is well embedded at the grassroots level.
It asked the commissions to carry out training
programmes for their staff and that the governments should provide sufficient
funds to the commissions to carry out their duties.
The meeting was attended by Prof. S. O. Emejuwaiwe, Abia;
Ezeudo Abel Nwobodo, Enugu; Mrs Adeline Idike, Ebonyi; Chief Cornel Umeh,
Anambra; and M.I. Oguwegbu for Imo State.
