The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has announced that the local government election scheduled for November 2 will not utilize the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), citing its "disappointing nature" as the reason.
This statement was made by Professor George Chima, the Chairman of ABSIEC, during the official announcement of the local government election timetable on Saturday.
Chima stated that the commission consists of individuals of integrity and exceptional qualifications, dedicated to transforming the current narratives.
He emphasized that the upcoming election will be free and transparent, assuring that the true wishes of Abia voters will be accurately reflected in the results. He expressed confidence that the electoral process would uphold the integrity and voice of the citizens throughout the election.
He highlighted that comprehensive security measures will be implemented for the upcoming elections, ensuring a safe environment for voters and officials alike.
Additionally, he reassured the public that the agency's personnel are well-prepared to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, aiming to maintain a smooth and credible electoral process throughout the event.
He urged political parties and candidates to adhere to the rules, cautioning that the local government election will not follow the usual practices. Emphasizing fairness, he stressed the importance of maintaining integrity throughout the electoral process to ensure a legitimate and transparent outcome for all involved.
The ABSIEC boss asserted that his office operates independently of the Abia State government, addressing concerns among opposition parties that the elections might favor the ruling Labour Party (LP). He emphasized the commission's commitment to conducting fair and impartial polls.
At the event, various chairmen from opposition parties urged for a minor delay in the election date. They argued that this postponement would provide them with additional time to prepare more effectively for the upcoming elections, ensuring a more organized and competitive process for all candidates involved.
The briefing was attended by the Chairmen and Secretaries of 14 of the 19 registered political parties in Nigeria.
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The election will be held to choose council chairmen for the 17 local government areas in Abia State, as well as 184 councilors for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wards within those local governments.
