A member of the House of Representatives representing Port-Harcourt Federal Constituency, Hon Ken Chikere, has lashed out at the country’s electoral system saying that it falls short of standards.
The national legislator, who represents Port-Harcourt Federal Constituency I, said that more needed to be done for the country’s electoral system to meet expected standards.
He spoke with reporters after casting his vote in local government elections held in Rivers State.
Hon Chikere said: “Our electoral system generally speaking does not meet my standards. I think we need to do more both those who are vying for offices, the electorate who would elect them and the people in the system – the government and (the) government is inclusive of the legislature, the executive and even the judiciary in matters concerning our electoral system”.
He urged voters to be actively involved in the political process by voting for the candidates of their choice during elections and ensuring that their votes count.
“They (electorate) would not come out and vote. You need to come out and vote. Our Constitution allows us four years to sit down and say Mr A is not doing well, we need to change him or her. Now when you come and vote and insist that the result of election be called and then you insist that it reflects the votes then we have started somewhere”.
He warned voters against docility in the country’s electoral system saying they could determine who wins election at any level to represent them.
Hon Chikere expressed confidence in the Chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Port-Harcourt City Local Government, Sir Allwell Ihunda, who was declared as the winner by the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The national legislator warned against voter apathy saying that voters should be involved in the political process so as not to complain.
“The sanction for bad governance is you vote that government out”, he said.
He also said that no army or police would disrupt the political process if the people were determined to effect change and said that the people should stand up for their votes.
