INEC: 69,626 eligible voters will participate in Enugu bye-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says a total of 69,626 electorates, who have collected their Permanent Voters Cards will be voting in the October 31 bye-election for Isi-Uzo State Constituency in Enugu State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Emeka Ononamadu said the bye-election will take place in 11 political wards within the constituency.

Although, the constituency had 72,289 registered voters, the REC said only 69,626 voters have collected their PVCs .

“There will be voting in 118 polling units and seven voting points to produce the next State Assemblyman-elect for Isi-Uzo State Constituency.

“Out of the 18 registered political parties by INEC; only nine political parties met requirement for the bye-election and they are; AA, AAC, ADC, ADP, APC, APN, PDP, PRP and YPP.

“Among the nine political parties to participate, we have six male and three female candidates,’’ he said.

He said election will start by 8;30 a.m. to allow 30 minutes time adjustment for the polling officials to set-up all apparatus to ensure compliance to the COVID-19 Protocol and end by 2;30 p.m.

“The bye-election will hold and nothing will stop it. We, INEC, wants all stakeholders especially the media to support in mobilise the people of the constituency to come out en mass to vote candidates of their choice.

“We are set for the election and we are assuring the good people of Enugu State and most in particular the people of Isi-Uzo of a hitch-free, fair and credible election that all will be proud of.

“We have already met with other stakeholders especially the security agencies that had assured us of their commitment and impartiality in ensuring adequate protection for all during and after the election,’’ he said.

The REC said that INEC during the bye-election would maintain strict compliance to Federal Government’s COVID-19 Protocol; adding that polling officials and voters must be checked with infra-red thermometers, wear face mask and keep required physical distance.