Agya said public confidence in the electoral process was essential to democratic governance, warning that its erosion could weaken the legitimacy of public institutions beyond the ballot box.
The Chief Judge made the call on Thursday when he received members of TSIEC on a courtesy visit in Jalingo.
He described the commission as a critical institution in the state’s democratic structure, noting that local government was the tier of government closest to the people.
Agya stressed that public confidence must be earned through transparency, consistency, openness and strict adherence to electoral regulations.
He added that political parties,
candidates and voters must be treated fairly, while electoral procedures should be clearly communicated and decisions taken without fear, favour or undue influence.
The Chief Judge said the credibility of an election depended not only on the final declaration of results but also on the fairness of the processes leading to the outcome.
He urged TSIEC to strengthen the capacity and discipline of its personnel through regular training, voter education, accurate documentation, effective communication and constructive engagement with political parties and other stakeholders.
Agya also called on the commission to address barriers to electoral participation, particularly those affecting women, persons with disabilities, young people and residents of remote communities.
He advised the commission to prioritise the prevention of electoral disputes through clear guidelines, timely information and consistent enforcement of electoral regulations.
On the relationship between TSIEC and the Judiciary, Agya reaffirmed the commitment of the courts to the fair, impartial and timely administration of justice.
He assured that electoral disputes brought before the courts or duly constituted tribunals would be determined in accordance with the law and evidence presented.
“Every party will be entitled to a fair hearing, and every matter will be approached with the independence, neutrality and fidelity to justice required of the judicial office,” Agya said.
Agya, however, emphasised that the relationship between the commission and the Judiciary must be guided by mutual respect for their separate constitutional and institutional responsibilities.
He said cooperation between the two institutions was desirable where it promoted lawful administration, public enlightenment and respect for due process, but must not compromise judicial independence.
“The Judiciary does not conduct elections, and the Commission does not adjudicate disputes. Each institution has its own mandate.
Yet both institutions serve the same constitutional order, and both are bound by the same higher obligation: to protect the rule of law and preserve the confidence of the people,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of TSIEC, Mr Bala Aji, disclosed that the commission was making arrangements for bye-elections to fill vacant councillorship positions in the state.
He said the vacancies arose following the deaths of two councillors and the resignation of another.