Due to incidences of violence and ballot box snatching in some parts of Rivers, Lagos and Anambra States, the Independent National Electoral Commissio
Due to incidences of violence and ballot box snatching in some parts of Rivers, Lagos and Anambra States, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has said that it would reschedule elections in some parts of those states. The commission specifically mentioned the National Assembly elections in Rivers State and acknowledged the challenges of smart card readers, saying they have been resolved.
Festus Okoye, the INEC Commissioner and chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, while giving an update on the ongoing elections, said where the malfunctioning of smart card readers were not resolved before the closing of elections, voting will continue the next day. He said, “We received reports of violence and ballot box snatching which took place in Akokotoro and Bonny LGAs in Rivers State; and some parts of Lagos and Anambra states.
“We are waiting for the reports, we have told the Resident Electoral Commissioners in the states to submit reports. So long as the poll didn’t commence, it is assumed that there was no voting. So, elections in these areas, especially in areas related to the House of Representatives and Senate didn’t take place and the date for the election will be decided later after we receive reports from INEC officials on ground.”
The commission also said that most of the challenges associated with smart card readers were resolved on time. Okoye also threatened that any INEC official who deliberately refused to make use of the smart card readers would be prosecuted because that action contravened the electoral guidelines and provisions of the Electoral Act. He also explained that all the unused ballot papers will be cancelled immediately after election.
