Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has described the country’s electoral system as evolving and improving.
Mr Bamidele made the assertion on Saturday in Iyin-Ekiti after casting his voting at his Eyo-lori Ward 2, Unit 003 in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
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He said that his observation and assessment of the Ekiti governorship election, being one of the elections after the amendment to the Electoral Act, indicated high compliance, not only by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but by political parties.
“This is one of the first major elections being conducted under the amended Electoral Act. There is no doubt that our electoral system is evolving and improving.
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“I have observed a high level of compliance. Today, people are more aware of what constitutes electoral offences and the consequences such violations carry for both political parties and individuals.
“That growing awareness is a positive development for our democracy,” he said.
Mr Bamidele stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will achieve the 500,000 voting benchmark and come out victorious, adding that the election would re-write the history of the state positively.
“Based on the reports I have received regarding voter turnout this morning, I remain confident that our party will achieve its target of securing a minimum of 500,000 votes.
“The level of enthusiasm surrounding this election is remarkable. People are coming out in large numbers, eager to participate in the democratic process.”
Asked whether there would be further amendments to the Electoral Act, Mr Bamidele foreclosed the possibility of any immediate amendment, saying such would be after comprehensive review of the various elections taking place.
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“As for possible gaps in the process, I believe that it is something that can only be properly assessed after the election.
“We must consider not only the outcome in Ekiti but also the conduct of the various by-elections taking place across the country today for National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats.
“Based on our collective understanding and assessment of today’s election, we will be able to determine whether the current Electoral Act is sufficient or whether additional improvements may be required,” he said.
(NAN)
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