LGA Polls: Anambra CSOs chide ANSIEC for shielding public updates, urges adequate funding for Commission
Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) has expressed concern over what it described as the continued silence of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) regarding its level of preparedness for the August 29, 2026 local government chairmanship and councillorship elections.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Chris Azor, on behalf of Civil Society Election Observers, the group said the lack of public updates from the electoral body, with only weeks to the polls, was creating uncertainty and undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
ANSIEC, through its Commissioner in charge of Information, Chief Anthony Nnalue has consistently insisted that the August 29 date for the conduct of the exercise remains sacrosanct, and that preparations have been in top gear.
But, according to ACSONet, civil society organisations, political parties, election observers, development partners, the media, and other national and international stakeholders have continued to seek information on the commission’s readiness without receiving adequate responses.
The group urged ANSIEC to immediately publish a comprehensive election timetable and begin providing regular public briefings on its operational preparations.
It said the commission should make public key information, including the election timetable and milestones, the list of participating political parties and validly nominated candidates, the voters’ register for verification, the final list of polling units, wards and voting points, as well as procedures for voter accreditation, voting and vote counting.
ACSONet also called for details on the recruitment, training and deployment of electoral officials, distribution of election materials, security arrangements, election-day logistics, result collation procedures, declaration of results, and mechanisms for resolving electoral complaints and disputes.
The network specifically urged ANSIEC to commence and publicise the accreditation process for domestic election observer organisations by announcing application procedures, eligibility requirements, codes of conduct and accreditation timelines.
“Early accreditation would enable observer groups to recruit, train and deploy qualified personnel across the state’s 21 local government areas and 326 electoral wards ahead of the polls,” it said.
The organisation further appealed to the Anambra State Government to provide ANSIEC with adequate financial, human, technological and logistical support needed to conduct peaceful, transparent, free, fair and credible elections.
It stressed that the timely release of funds, provision of election materials, secure transportation, reliable communication systems, effective security coordination and sufficient electoral personnel were essential for a successful exercise.
“Credible elections are founded on transparency, stakeholder engagement, operational readiness, independent election observation, equal treatment of contestants and prompt declaration of results. These principles help build public trust and reduce misinformation.
“Several states have continued to conduct local government elections in line with constitutional provisions and electoral laws. Anambra should not only fulfil its constitutional obligation but also set a standard for electoral transparency, professionalism and integrity,” the ACSONet said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to working with ANSIEC, the state government, political parties, security agencies, the media, development partners and other election stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming local government elections reflect the will of the people.
“The time for proactive public engagement is now. Transparency before Election Day remains the strongest guarantee of credibility after the results are declared,” the statement concluded.
