Youths from Ndzorov staged a peaceful protest at the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) office in Guma, expressing frustration over the commission’s failure to provide sensitive materials and update Adhoc staff on their roles for the local government elections. Despite claims of preparedness, BSIEC staff were absent from their Gbajimba office.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Alia cannot impose leadership on us” and “No elections, No Democratic Governance in Guma, we’re completely disenfranchised,” highlighting their discontent with the electoral process. The commission’s inability to provide materials to the Guma Local Government headquarters undermines the electoral process and contravenes constitutional requirements.
According to the Commission’s Electoral Act, all sensitive materials must be made available at the Local Government headquarters for onward distribution across council wards to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process ¹. However, as of 1:12 pm, no sensitive materials were seen near the headquarters, leaving Party Returning Agents stranded.
Reports indicate that materials were hijacked and diverted to LGEA Primary School, Dauda, allegedly on the directive of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and aided by BSIEC and Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Yanmar Ortese. This incident raises concerns about youth participation in elections and the challenges they face in Benue, including the cost of nomination forms, monetized politics, and lack of transparency in the state electoral umpire.
The protesters vow to seek legal action against these undemocratic processes that threaten democracy, social development, and the future of Nongov nation and Guma Local Government Area at large.
This incident highlights the importance of ensuring youth participation in electoral processes, as youth are critical stakeholders in democratic governance. Effective youth engagement can help prevent electoral violence and promote peaceful transitions.
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