Yomi Dinakin, Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) confirmed this on Monday in Akure.
Eighteen political parties have indicated interest in fielding candidates for the Ondo State local government election scheduled for December 1, 2018.
Yomi Dinakin, Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) confirmed this on Monday in Akure.
Dinakin said 18 political parties sent in their 'letters of intent' forms, and it was received by the commission's secretary.
He, however, noted that the electoral body was still waiting to compile the list of candidates, as more political partes in the state are still expected to submit names of their candidates.
He said:"18 of them (political parties) have so far shown their interests in the local government election that is fixed for December 1.
"Although, the Commission is still expecting more registered political parties to come in with their letters of interest and sponsor candidates for the election, now, we are working towards making the exercise a very smooth one because these political parties will conducting primaries in their various camps.
"We are waiting for parties that have shown interest to submit the list of their candidates vying for the different elective positions either as chairmen or councillors."
Dinakin further added that the officials of the commission would monitor the conduct of primaries of the political parilties, just as he noted that independent candidacy is not allowed.
He advised the leadership of parties to ensure that issues which might arise from primaries are resolved amicably before submitting names of their candidates.
According to Dinakin, the commission would soon commence the mobilisation and sensitisation of the general public, including eligible voters and other stakeholders on the local government election.
"We also want these relevant stakeholders to play their roles and help us as we prepare for this election by ensuring that all play the game according to the rules and law," he said.
Prof. Dinakin stressed that the local government election would be monitored by election observers within and outside the state.