The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, has urged the 26 registered political parties to play strictly by electoral guidelines in order to have a free and fair elections in 2015.
Ikoiwak made the call on Tuesday during an interactive session with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
He emphasised that the success of the elections is hinged on the parties’ ability to convince voters to come out massively.
Ikoiwak reminded the political parties that election is not war and so they should close ranks with one another. He pointed out that the essence of parties was to drive unity and progress of countries.
Ikoiwak lamented the divisive tendencies inherent in party system, saying that it was contrary to the principle of governance.
He assured all political parties of a level playing ground, where all opinions and interests would be protected.
In his own speech, the Chairman of IPAC in the state, Chief Davies Ikanya, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting. He assured that the council would adhere strictly to the electoral rules.
Ikanya, who doubles as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in the state, affirmed the committee’s preparedness to work with INEC for a violent-free elections.
Secretary of the committee, who is also PDP secretary in the state, Chief Walter Ibibia, promised that the committee would adhere strictly with INEC’s rules.
He further promised that the parties would organise sensitisation campagnes to make sure all the promises made to INEC are fulfilled and the general election is credible.
