Ikpoba Okha Local Govt Election Fallout: Tribunal Exposes Electoral Act Breaches By EDSIEC

Ikpoba Okha Local Govt Election Fallout: Tribunal Exposes Electoral Act Breaches By EDSIEC

In a significant development following the Local Government Chairmanship Election Petition Tribunal’s recent verdict on the Ikpoba Okha election, the spotlight has shifted to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). The tribunal’s decision, delivered on December 29, 2023, revealed glaring breaches of the Electoral Act by EDSIEC, raising critical questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

The petition, filed by Mr. Eghaghe Mashido Osamudiame and the Labour Party, contested the victory of Dr. Osayande Eric Iyobo of the People’s Democratic Party in the chairmanship election conducted on September 2, 2023. The petitioners alleged various infractions, including EDSIEC’s failure to comply with mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The tribunal identified three key issues for determination, the first being the applicable law regulating elections in Edo State’s Local Government Councils. It concurred with the petitioners’ argument that the Electoral Act 2022, not the EDSIEC law, governed the conduct of the elections in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council.

The second issue centered on whether EDSIEC complied with relevant laws, guidelines, and manuals during the disputed election. The tribunal referred to Section 150 of the Electoral Act, emphasizing that EDSIEC was mandated to use the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation. However, the tribunal found no evidence of BVAS usage during the election. Furthermore, it noted the absence of a voter register, despite orders to produce it.

The tribunal’s scathing critique didn’t stop there. It deplored the irregularities and urged EDSIEC to rectify its shortcomings, emphasizing the importance of conducting credible elections. The chairman of the tribunal expressed disappointment, stating, “At the close of the 23rd year into the 21st century in our dear State… the 1st Respondent [EDSIEC] cannot produce before the court, the voters register it used or purportedly to have been used.”

As the third issue addressed the alleged invalidity of the election due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act, the tribunal concluded that the petitioners failed to establish corrupt practices or provide evidence of complaints to security agents. Consequently, the petition was dismissed based on the petitioners’ inability to meet the burden of proof.

The tribunal’s verdict has now opened a new chapter in the discourse on electoral transparency and the role of electoral bodies like EDSIEC. It underscores the need for adherence to the rule of law, the Electoral Act, and the fundamental principles that underpin free and fair elections. The fallout from the Ikpoba Okha election serves as a stern reminder that electoral bodies must be accountable for upholding the sanctity of the democratic process.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah writes in from Benin City.

Source iReporteronline.