The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced its intention to manually transmit the results of the upcoming Bayelsa governorship election scheduled for November 11th.
This decision was conveyed by Mr. Obo Effanga, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state. He made this announcement during an interactive session held in Yenagoa on Wednesday, which involved religious leaders and faith-based organizations.
Effanga emphasized INEC’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election process. He also clarified that only voters accredited through the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would have the privilege to cast their votes.
“Immediately you are given the ballot paper you can start voting.
“We are in the fourth week of collection of PVCs and it will end on Oct. 11. Those who have not collected their cards should go to the INEC office in their local government areas,” he said.
Effanga urged the stakeholders to advise their candidates to be peaceful.
“Religious leaders should take the message to their congregation and politicians who are also Church members,’’ he said.
He reported that a total of 16 political parties had nominated candidates to participate in the upcoming election.
Reverend Joseph Belema, a prominent religious leader, expressed his appreciation for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing that conducting a free, fair, and credible election was essential for the selection of capable leaders.
Reverend Belema urged the candidates to view the election as a chance for peaceful and democratic competition, reminding them that only one individual would emerge victorious, emphasizing the importance of not treating it as a life-or-death matter.
