Cynthia Mbamalu (Middle) at the event.

By Jethro Ibileke 

As the 21 September date for the governorship election in Edo State draws nearer, Yiaga Africa has expressed worry over increasing tension perpetrated by the major political parties in the election.

This is even as it bemoaned the increasing desperation and the crass and careless remarks of political actors as they attempt to win over people.

The Director of Programs of Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, disclosed this on Friday in Benin while presenting its pre-election observation statement on the governorship election.

She noted that activities of political thugs, the poor security situation and the current economic situation could mark the election.

“With just eight days to the Edo Governorship election, the political and security situation has remained tense and unpredictable.

“Yiaga Africa’s pre-election reports have revealed the activities of cultists and political thugs in some local government areas (LGA) that, if not contained, could threaten the peaceful and credible conduct of the election.

“In addition, tensions continue to rise, especially between the APC and PDP. The rivalry between these parties has intensified, with both engaging in character assassination and the use of hate speech and ‘blame-game politics.”

“This tension was extended to the Peace Accord signing convened by the National Peace Committee. as the PDP refused to sign the Peace Accord if certain demands were not attended to by the time of the signing of the Accord.

“The integrity of the voting process and its peaceful conduct may be threatened by the unregulated proliferation of such activities.

“Economic factors like the high fuel costs and rising costs of goods are growing impediments to voters’ participation,” Mbamalu said.

Yiaga Africa however commended INEC for implementing the preparatory activities, even as it applauded the electoral umpire’s determination to guarantee enhanced operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Finally, Yiaga Africa called on all security agencies working on the election to ensure that all deployed personnel are adequately trained and operate with a sense of responsibility, professionalism, and neutrality.