From Usman MZ (Jigawa)
Independent National Electoral Commission- INEC says it will deploy one thousand one hundred and eleven officials and over eight hundred and fifty security personnel at the Gwaram Federal constituency bye-election in Jigawa State on Saturday, 19th June 2021.
The National INEC Commissioner, Barrister Festus Okoye disclosed this during a press conference held at INEC headquarters in Dutse, the state capital.
According to him, the commission has carried out and completed the training of the returning officers, the registration area collation officers, supervisory presiding officers and their assistants.
He further pointed out that all the election officials were currently being deployed to the local government area.
Festus Okoye noted that the election will be conducted on the basis of existing polling units and voting points.
The INEC Commissioner further explained that the newly created polling units will not be available for this particular exercise and other bye elections that will be conducted before the Anambra State Governorship election that will hold on the sixth of November 2021.
He appealed to the political parties to have faith in the ability of the registered voters to make informed choices.
The Commissioner noted that the choices made by the people as expressed through their votes must be the only basis for the determination of the winner of the election.
Okoye added that, the choices of the people must never be distorted through threats, intimidation and acts of violence.
He said the commission will protect its election staff and the voters will not entertain remotely or otherwise any act that threatens the smooth conduct of the election.
It could be recalled that the vacancy occurred as a result of the death of Alhaji Hassan Kila, the member representing the constituency on 4th March 2021, which the House of representatives declared vacancy for the seat.