By Sani Adamu Hassan
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter has condemned the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission BASIEC for imposing exorbitant fees on political parties for participation in the forthcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections scheduled for August 17, 2024.
This contain in a statement signed by Abdulazeez Haruna, the state Secretary People’s Redemption Party Bauchi State Chapter and made available to Sahel Reporters on Saturday.
According to Abdulazeez Haruna, “this draconian move is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise thousands of youth and women in Bauchi State who are interested in contesting the posts of local government chairmanship and councillorship”.
“The PRP considers this fee as an outrageous and unreasonable demand that contradicts the principles of free and fair elections” he added.
” We find it unacceptable that BASIEC is charging political parties for forms when even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not charge political parties for forms. It is important to note that INEC provides forms to political parties free of charge. This raises questions about the motives behind BASIEC’s decision to impose such fees”.
He therefore urge BASIEC to immediately scrap these fees entirely and provide a level playing field for all political parties to participate in the election.
“Furthermore, we recall that the 2020 local government elections in Bauchi State were marred by blatant manipulation and rigging, which we had vehemently condemned. We will not tolerate a repetition of such an experience. Therefore, we are calling on BASIEC to conduct a credible and fair election that reflects the will of the people and respects the democratic rights of citizens”.
“The PRP, Bauchi State Chapter, will continue to monitor developments and will not hesitate to take all necessary actions to ensure that our democracy is protected and that the people’s will is respected”.
