THE Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu has assured Ndi Anambra of secure environment during the Nov. 18 Governorship Election.

The INEC Chairman, who was represented by Mr Victor Ayodula gave this assurance during the voter education foru,m organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, IFES, at headquarters, Nteje Oyi Local Government Area, LGA.

He said that the seminar was taking place at all LGAs and that INEC was committed to making the election free and fair.

“It is one man, one vote and there will be no rigging,” Ayodula said.

In his speech, the electoral officer in charge of Oyi LGA, Dr Gabriel Okoye said the 2017 Anambra Governorship Election was a litmus test of the INEC’s innovation ahead of the 2019 Presidential Election.

While educating the participants from various wards and organisations he highlighted:

* There is no sit down at home on Election Day

*No permanent voters card, PVC: No voting

*Card readers will be used to authenticate finger prints of voters

*Accreditation and voting starts at the same time — 8:00am

*Voters cannot vote outside their polling units

*Thumb printing on the ballot paper is secret and the print should appear only in one box

*Voters should fold their ballot paper vertically to avoid the ink touching on another party’s logo, which will be counted as rejected votes if it does

*sharing of money at polling stations is against democratic principles

*People with disabilities will be given preferential treatment on Election Day.

*INEC is the only body approved by the constitution to announce results of elections.

Okoye, then, said that voters with temporary voters card, TVC should collect their PVCs at their wards from Friday Oct. 27 to Oct. 29, to enable them cast their votes.

“Where there is no information, rumours takes precedence. Your vote is your right. Vote according to your conscience,’’ he said.

A playlet was also performed by Youth Corp members on voting procedures.

Posters and handbills later were given out to the participants to enable them educate others.

– Oct 24, 2017 @ 17:06 GMT |