Plateau State to Hold First Mock Local Government Election on September 28

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has announced its plan to conduct the state’s first-ever mock local government election on Saturday, September 28. This exercise aims to prepare for the official Local Government elections scheduled for October 9, 2024.

Mrs. Koro Yakubu, Head of Media for PLASIEC, made the announcement in a statement released to journalists in Jos on Thursday. She explained that the mock election would test the deployment of the Voter Verification Software (VVS) using real voters.

“This mock election is a crucial step to enhance the credibility and transparency of the upcoming Local Government elections. It will allow us to test-run the facilities and ensure that everything functions properly before the official election day,” Mrs. Yakubu stated.

The mock election will be held in six selected local government areas across the state’s senatorial districts, including Wase, Shendam, Pankshin, Mangu, Riyom, and Jos North. It will take place in six polling units within six wards of these local governments, running from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the scheduled day.

According to Mrs. Yakubu, the exercise aims to ensure a smooth voting process on October 9 by addressing any potential issues that might arise with the new technology. “We want to make sure that the Voter Verification Software works effectively with live voters. This mock election will help us identify and fix any technical challenges we may encounter,” she added.

The use of the VVS is part of PLASIEC’s efforts to modernize the electoral process in Plateau State, making it more efficient and secure. The software will verify the identity of voters in real-time, reducing the chances of electoral fraud and ensuring that only eligible voters participate in the election.

Mrs. Yakubu urged residents in the selected local government areas to come out and participate in the mock election. “We encourage all eligible voters in Wase, Shendam, Pankshin, Mangu, Riyom, and Jos North to take part in this exercise. Your participation is crucial in helping us prepare for a successful and credible election on October 9,” she said.

She also assured the public that PLASIEC is committed to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election. “We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming Local Government elections reflect the true will of the people. This mock election is just one of many steps we are taking to achieve that goal,” Mrs. Yakubu emphasized.

As the state gears up for the mock election on September 28, many residents are looking forward to seeing how the new technology will be implemented. The outcome of this test run will play a significant role in the success of the official Local Government elections next month.

Stay tuned for updates on the mock election and the preparations for the October 9 Local Government elections in Plateau State.