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LASIEC Chairman announced that female candidates and Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD) will be exempt from paying for nomination forms
The Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd), has reiterated the commission’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and fairness in the upcoming local government elections. In a significant move aimed at encouraging broader participation, she announced that female candidates and Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD) will be exempt from paying for nomination forms.
This initiative, she stated, is designed to foster an inclusive electoral environment where all eligible citizens, regardless of gender or physical ability, have an equal opportunity to participate in governance. “Our goal is to break down barriers that may hinder political participation and ensure that every voice is heard,” she said.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile gave this assurance while speaking at a Stakeholders’ Forum held in Ikorodu. The forum, themed “Enhancing a Credible and Inclusive Local Government Elections in Lagos State,” served as a platform to engage key stakeholders in discussions about the commission’s strategies for conducting transparent, fair, and peaceful elections.
She emphasized LASIEC’s unwavering dedication to an orderly and credible electoral process, particularly as the state prepares for the local government polls scheduled for Saturday, July 12. “The foundation of a free, fair, and credible election lies in building public trust and confidence in the entire electoral process,” she remarked.
The LASIEC Chairman also called on political parties, civil society organizations, youth groups, persons with disabilities, religious bodies, and the media to actively participate in the electoral process. She stressed that the involvement of these stakeholders is essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring that elections truly reflect the will of the people.
Speaking at the same event, the Permanent Secretary of LASIEC, Mr. Fashola Abdul-Rafiu Omowole, underscored the importance of voter education in achieving electoral integrity. He pointed out that elections go beyond the act of voting; they are a vital mechanism for promoting equity, trust, and grassroots representation, which is the bedrock of democratic governance.
Mr. Omowole called for collective efforts in enlightening the electorate, particularly at the community level, so that citizens can make informed choices and take ownership of the democratic process.
With these efforts, LASIEC aims to set a standard for credible and inclusive elections, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to a democratic system where no demographic is sidelined.