The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) has officially announced that local government elections in the state are scheduled to take place on October 19, 2024. This significant announcement was made by the commission’s chairperson, Hajara Mohammed, during a meeting held on Tuesday with political parties and various stakeholders in Kaduna.
Mrs. Mohammed explained that the tenure of the current council members, who were sworn into office on November 1, 2021, will come to an end on October 31, 2024. This three-year term, she emphasized, necessitates the timely organization of new elections to ensure a seamless transition and continuity in local governance.
She highlighted that KAD-SIECOM is tasked with the responsibility of organizing elections for the positions of chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and councillors across the state. In accordance with Section 25(1) of the KAD-SIECOM Law of 2024, the commission has informed the general public that the local government area (LGA) council elections will be conducted on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The voting is scheduled to take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Additionally, Mrs. Mohammed announced that the detailed election guidelines and the timetable for the 2024 elections have been released. This early dissemination of information is intended to provide ample time for political parties, candidates, and voters to prepare adequately for the upcoming elections.
In her address, the chairperson assured all concerned parties that KAD-SIECOM is fully prepared to conduct the elections on the set date. She emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient electoral process, aimed at strengthening the democratic foundations of local governance in Kaduna State. This proactive approach by KAD-SIECOM is expected to foster a conducive environment for a smooth electoral exercise, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the electoral system.
The upcoming local government elections are seen as a critical milestone for Kaduna State, offering an opportunity for residents to elect their local representatives who will spearhead development initiatives and address local issues over the next three years. The announcement has set the stage for political activities to intensify as parties and candidates begin their preparations to contest for various positions within the local councils.