INEC shifts polls in Asari-Toru, Degema LGAs, in Rivers to Sunday
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved the Governorship and State Assembly elections in Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA) and parts of neighbouring Degema LGA to Sunday, March 19.
Ejes Gist News Nigeria gathered that there was confusion at the Registration Area Center (RAC) in Buguma, headquarters of Asari-Toru LGA, when INEC Electoral Officers (EOs) and Result Sheets for the area could not be located.
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Before materials could leave the RAC for the various wards and polling units, security agents had to intervene on the ground to calm the agitated voters who insisted on identifying the INEC EOs and Result Sheets.
Under the tense circumstances, INEC Adhoc Staff had to cease operations and return to base with the available election materials.
Dr. Johnson Sinikiem, Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Rivers State, confirmed elections could not be held in Asari-toru LGA and Ward 14 of Degema LGA based on the commission’s position on the development.
“Governorship and State elections could not be held in the aforementioned locations due to voter opposition to the deployment of election officials and materials.”
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Before elections, Voters and other interested parties demanded to see the Ward Collation Officers before the election could begin.
Voters in Ward 14 of Degema LGA similarly demanded that the SPO present the RAC with the collation sheet, which is the responsibility of the Collation Officers, thereby preventing the election from taking place.
“Based on this premise and in accordance with section 24 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC has decided to hold elections in Asari-Toru local government area and Ward 14 of Degema local government area on March 19, 2023,” the REC said.
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