The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has pledged to ensure a free and fair Local Government election in the state.
ABSIEC Chairman, Professor George Chima, in a statement released Monday, announced that an October 31 meeting is planned to align strategies and improve transparency in the election process.
In anticipation of the forthcoming Local Government Election on November 2, 2024, in Abia, the electoral commission has extended an invitation to political parties and stakeholders for a crucial briefing.
It stated that the meeting aims to discuss key issues and strategies that will ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process in the state.
The statement reads, “The meeting is intended to ensure all participants are prepared to support the effective administration of the elections, covering everything from logistics to security arrangements.
“The commission emphasised the importance of this pre-election briefing, urging all invited stakeholders to prioritise attendance as the state finalises key aspects of the election day process.
“This significant gathering, scheduled for Thursday, October 31, at ABSEIC headquarters in Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, will bring together various stakeholders from across Abia to align strategies for a transparent and smooth election process.
“The meeting is crucial for discussing our readiness for November 2 and identifying any areas needing immediate attention to prevent disruptions.”
Earlier, the electoral body announced that training for ad-hoc poll officials for the November 2 chairmanship and councillorship elections will take place on October 29 (today).
Dr. Kelechi Kemjika Okere, ABSIEC Commissioner for Information, Training, and Voter Education, announced in a statement that the training will be held at designated centers across all 17 Local Government Areas of the state at 10 AM.
He also stated that attendance is mandatory, and only those who complete the training will be eligible to participate in conducting the polls.
Also, the November 2 local government election in the state will not use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
He emphasized that sufficient security would be provided for the elections and assured that agency officials are ready to perform their duties responsibly.
He urged political parties and candidates to adhere to the rules, cautioning that the LG election will not follow past practices.
