Aregbesola, UNDP task electorate on free, fair election

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has implored the electorate to reject politicians with bad records in the September 22 governorship election.

The governor spoke at a three-day workshop on peaceful election, organised by the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP), in conjunction with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He urged the people not to also allow political parties and their candidates who are notorious for bad governance to have any chance of ruling the state.

While promising a peaceful atmosphere for the poll, he stressed the need to vote for candidates who would continue the development started by his administration.

Representative of Country Director of the UNDP, Prof. Mathew Alao, said the peaceful conduct of the September 22 governorship election would serve as an indicator to what should be expected in the general elections in 2019.

Alao stressed that it is only through free and fair elections, that the electorate would be able to vote for candidates of their choice.

He disclosed that the UNDP is determined to ensure a peaceful election in Osun State for several reasons.

“First and foremost, peaceful elections promote peaceful co-existence and build accountable institutions for the society. The 2019 general election is also around the corner and whatever happens in Osun on September 22, will have a great impact in the general election. We must therefore ensure that we get everything right now,” he said.

Aregbesola had also stated that traditional rulers have a huge role to play in ensuring that elections are peaceful in their various domains.

He commended the UNDP for rising up to its social responsibility by taking steps through its series of workshops to ensure that the upcoming governorship election is peaceful, free and fair.

He said: “Traditional rulers have a stake in good governance in their various domains, and maintaining the security. When these two things are in place, it automatically translates to peace and development.

“For instance, before the advent of our administration, people used to live in fear, because Osun State was so insecure that people slept with only one eye closed.

“We must do away with things that negate the principles of free and fair elections, if we want to move forward as a people,” he said.

Participants at the workshop included traditional rulers, religious and political leaders, security organisations and civil society organisations.