By Adekola Afolabi
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Ahead of the December 1, 2018 local government election in Ondo State, the State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), said it has so far received letters of intent from 18 political parties, showing their interest to participate in the forthcoming poll.

The chairman of the commission, Prof Yomi Dinakin disclosed this while speaking with The Hope in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Prof Dinakin, who spoke through the Administrative Secretary of the commission,  Mr. Wole Ayeni, also added that the commission is still expecting more letters of intent from registered political parties, who can sponsor candidates in the coming council poll.

According to him, the ODIEC is waiting for political parties to submit the list of their candidates vying for different elective posts such as Chairmanship and Councillorship in the elections, after successfully conducting their primaries.

The commission had extended the date for party’s primaries to enable all participating political parties conduct their primaries and forward the names of their respective candidates to the commission in accordance with the law.

He said no independent candidate will be allowed as candidates must be presented by political parties.

 Prof Dinakin added that officials of the commission have been monitoring the conduct of primaries by political parties, advising them to amicably resolve any misunderstanding that may arise from such primaries before the submission of the names of the candidates.

He disclosed that in the next few days, the commission will start the mobilisation and sensitisation of the general public, especially voters and other stakeholders in respect of the local government election.

The Chairman noted that ODIEC is fully committed to conducting a credible, peaceful, free and fair polls, urging relevant stakeholders to play the game according to the rules.

He emphasised that the December 1 fixed for the conduct of the council polls still remains, saying the election will not be postponed.

The ODIEC boss advised all eligible voters in the state to participate fully and peacefully by electing candidates of their choice.

 He further said necessary arrangements are ongoing to ensure a hitch-free election.

Prof Dinakin stressed that the election will be monitored by election observers within and outside the state.