Due to protests that have rocked the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) will meet on Thursday October 22 to decide on the possibility of going ahead with the conduct of bye elections already slated to hold on October 31, 2020.
INEC made this known in a release signed by the one of its commissioners, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Mr Festus Okoye.
INEC is billed to conduct bye-elections in 15 constituencies spread around 11 states across the country. The elections is to fill vacancies in various legislatures that was occasioned by death or resignation of previous holders.
The statement reads: “The public would recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission scheduled the conduct of bye-elections in 15 constituencies in 11 States for 31st October 2020. These consist of six Senatorial and nine State House of Assembly seats. The vacancies were as a result of death and resignation of previous members;
The Commission has been engaged in meticulous preparations for the bye-elections for several weeks in its determination to continue to deliver free, fair, credible and safe elections for Nigerians;
However, the Commission is not oblivious of the current mood of the nation, the security situation, natural disasters and other emergencies reported in parts of the country. Indeed, the Commission has been monitoring these situations regarding their possible impact on the smooth conduct of the bye-elections;
Consequently, the Commission will tomorrow, Thursday 22nd October 2020 hold a meeting with the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to evaluate the situation in the States and constituencies where bye-elections have been scheduled. The outcome will be communicated to the public immediately after the meeting;
The Commission wishes to assure Nigerians of its diligent preparations for these elections and to thank all stakeholders for their understanding and support”.
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