Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security personnel to create a level-playing field to ensure free and fair polling in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

Jonathan, who made this call in a statement on Thursday, sued for peace before, during, and after the pools, urging political actors and stakeholders to work towards deepening the nation’s democracy by prioritising the peace and security of Edo state.

According to the statement by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, the ex-president stressed that the Edo election places a moral burden on state agencies especially the police and the INEC to rise to their constitutional responsibilities as independent arbiters in our democratic process.

He added that for democracy to endure, elections must be devoid of all forms of manipulation and state institutions must guarantee peaceful, credible and transparent elections.

Jonathan further charged the election management body to live up to expectations as an unbiased umpire and inspire confidence in all actors through a transparent voting process.

He said, “There is no doubt that loss of confidence in an election encourages political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy, increased polarization and other far-reaching consequences that could undermine development and democratic consolidation.

“As citizens of voting age in Edo State go to the polls for the governorship election on Saturday, September 21, 2024, I call on all political actors and stakeholders to work towards deepening the nation’s democracy by prioritizing peace and security of the state.

“Politicians must pursue their interests within the confines of the law and refrain from activities that could undermine the peace and stability of the state.

“It is encouraging that civil rule has endured in the Fourth Republic for 25 years but we should remind our people that democracy loses its value when citizens cannot exercise their political choices in a free and fair atmosphere.”

Edo guber: Maintain neutrality – Jonathan tells INEC, security personnel