A Coalition of Accredited Election Observers has released a preliminary report affirming that the Delta State
local government election held last Saturday, was generally peaceful, free, fair and credible.
Leader of the DSIEC Accredited Election Observers, Fidelis Nweke, at a media briefing in Asaba, stated that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with relevant state electoral laws.
He said: "The distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials was largely impressive for the efficient manner in which these materials were distributed from ward levels to various polling units across 24 local government areas of the state.
"However, late arrival of election materials was noticed in some polling units that we visited which led to late commencement of voting.
"On election day, observers deployed across the three senatorial districts of the state, reported that the process was peaceful and voters turnout was impressive. However, some polling units experienced late arrivals of election materials, leading to delayed voting.
"Despite visible voters' apathy in some areas, attributed to rain showers on election day, the voting process proceeded smoothly as observers noted that the sorting and counting of ballots were conducted transparently, with candidates from different political parties declared winners at various units, pending the overall announcement of results."
The coalition also lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the DSIEC Chairman and staff for ensuring that the election was successful, especially making available all the necessary logistics.
"We noticed that DSIEC was resolute, transparent and committed to conducting a credible, free and fair local government elections in the state.
"Hence, they provided a level playing field for all political parties that participated in the elections as all the stakeholders, political parties, civil society organisations, media and security agencies among others, are all committed to see a peaceful election in the state."
