Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau Simon Bako Lalong has voted in the ongoing local Government elections in the State.
Lalong who arrived his polling unit 015 at about 10am casted his vote alongside other voters.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, Lalong said he was satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the exercise but observed some challenges.
He said that he observed that accreditation was done manually because of the failure of card reader. The PLASIEC officials explained that they have been directed to use manual accreditation if the card reader fails.
The Senator confirmed that he had made enquiries and ascertained that the PLASIEC and political parties had agreed that where electronic accreditation fails, manual option should be adopted using the voters register.
He also said there were complaints of shortfall in distribution of ballot papers as some areas did not receive all the papers expected.
Again, he acknowledged that there was consensus between PLASIEC and political parties that the ballot papers already printed and distributed should be maintained while no new papers should be printed.
While expressing confidence that the APC will win the elections, Lalong urged PLASIEC to maintain neutrality and conduct free and fair elections.
He also asked the people to maintain peace and exercise their franchise while being vigilant to ensure that their votes are counted and properly declared.
The Senator who recalled that he implemented local Government autonomy during his tenure as Governor, described the election as a watershed in Nigeria’s political history as the local Governments will now function properly for the benefit of the people.
