The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers, has announced the commission’s readiness to conduct the Feb. 21 by-elections.
Yomere said the commission had concluded necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and credible exercise across the affected constituencies.
The REC disclosed this during a briefing with journalists after a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the commission for security agencies on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
He said preparations for the Ahoada-East II and Khana II State Constituencies by-elections in Rivers State had been completed.
According to him, key steps including the publication of the notice of registration and the election date have been concluded.
Yomere said 12 candidates from seven political parties would contest the elections — seven candidates in Ahoada-East II and five in Khana II.
“A total of 71,865 voters are registered in Ahoada-East II, while 41,085 voters are registered in Khana II,” he said.
On logistics, he said INEC had engaged transport unions to ensure the timely movement of personnel and election materials on election day.
He added that all BVAS machines had been configured, with SIM cards inserted and power banks being charged.
Yomere said the commission had received and distributed all non-sensitive materials to the affected local government areas,.
According to him, sensitive materials are expected to arrive during the week of the election.
He stated that training of ad-hoc staff was ongoing. “The training and screening of Supervisory Presiding Officers, drawn strictly from INEC staff, have been completed.
“Training for Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers, selected from INEC staff and NYSC members, will take place between Feb. 13 and Feb. 15.
On security, Yomere said flashpoints had been identified in Ahoada-East and Khana Local Government Areas, while security agencies had been notified for proper deployment.
He added that movement would be restricted within the constituencies on election day.
“We call on all stakeholders, especially security agencies, political parties, the media, and the electorate, to continue to support the commission toward a successful bye-election
“INEC remains firmly committed to conducting a free, fair, peaceful, and credible bye-election that reflects the will of the people of Rivers,”he said.
