The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Anambra State office has affirmed its preparedness for a seamless rerun election in 21 polling units across the state. This comes in the aftermath of the Court of Appeal nullifying the initial elections in the affected polling units, prompting INEC to schedule the rerun for February 3, 2024.
During a media engagement at the commission’s office in Awka on Thursday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Elizabeth Agwu, assured registered voters of their safety and encouraged them to participate in the House of Representatives rerun election across the designated polling units.
Agwu emphasized that security would not be a concern, as both human and material resources, including security operatives, have been deployed to the areas where the elections will take place. She reassured voters that their votes would be counted, and no one would face intimidation or disenfranchisement.
“The rerun election will take place in 16 polling units at Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area to determine the winner of Orumba North and Orumba South federal constituency. Election will also be held in five polling units at Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area to determine the winner of Nnewi North and Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituencies,” Agwu explained.
She urged voters not to compromise their principles and to vote for candidates who can represent them effectively. Agwu emphasized that the election would be free, fair, and credible, with ample security measures in place to prevent any form of intimidation or violence.
Addressing concerns about manipulation, vote buying, or selling, Agwu stated, “The 2022 INEC Electoral Act is against vote buying or manipulation, and anyone caught will be prosecuted.” She reminded candidates that political campaigns must cease two days before the election date.
Agwu also highlighted that only voters with permanent voter cards registered in the affected polling units are eligible to participate in these elections. Biometric Voter Authentication Systems (BVAS) will be deployed for accreditation and voting, with the election scheduled to start at 8:30 am and conclude by 2:30 pm. However, those in the queue before 2:30 pm will still be attended to.