The Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) of Enugu State has thumbed up the conduct of the Local Government Council Elections held on Saturday, describing the exercise as free, fair, credible, and peaceful.

IPAC also lauded the impressive voter turnout.

In a preliminary statement released by State Chairman Obioma Nnamani and State Secretary Dr. Afam Ani in Enugu on Sunday, the council commended the lack of political interference during the election, urging both winners and losers to collaborate for the advancement of Enugu State.

“In line with our mission to promote peaceful, free, fair, and transparent elections in accordance with the law, IPAC deployed observers across the 17 local government areas to monitor the conduct of the September 21, 2024 local government election in Enugu State.

“IPAC's preliminary report indicates no incidents of electoral violence; the exercise was remarkably peaceful. This is a significant achievement for our electoral process, and we commend the leaders, stakeholders, and security agencies for their efforts.

“Crucially, there was substantial adherence to legal provisions by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) during the elections.

"However, IPAC did observe delays in the arrival of election materials in certain areas, attributed in part to heavy rain in the early morning hours.

“Additionally, some isolated infractions have been reported by our observers, which we are currently investigating.

“Nonetheless, the overall exercise was overwhelmingly transparent, free, fair, and credible.

“We encourage both winners and losers to work together for the development and good governance of Enugu State while urging any party or candidate who feels aggrieved to seek resolutions through the rule of law,” the statement noted.

IPAC also called for ongoing political education to empower citizens to hold their newly elected leaders accountable.

“While elections are a vital component of democracy, providing the public with the opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to choose their leaders, they are not an end in themselves.

“Thus, we urge civil society and political parties to enhance political education and awareness to ensure that elected leaders, including those from Saturday’s council elections, deliver on the promises of democracy and are held accountable in doing so,” IPAC concluded.