With just a little over two weeks to the November 6, 2021 Anambra election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again appealed for support from all and sundry in Anambra to ensure that the election will not only be peaceful but also free, fair and credible.
Making this appeal on Thursday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr. Festus Okoye, said the Commission is satisfied with the current level of preparations for the election.
Okoye who stated this in a statement at the end of the Commission’s regular weekly meeting, pointed out that virtually all non-sensitive materials have been delivered in readiness for the election.
While noting that the training of ad-hoc staff is also going on as scheduled, he added that the Commission is in touch with the National Peace Committtee under the Chairmanship of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd) GCFR, and preparations are underway for the signing of the Peace Accord in Awka on Thursday 4th November 2021.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the Commission so far, has successfully implemented 12 out of 14 activities in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities.
“The Commission has today published the Notice of Poll at its State and all the Local Government offices in Anambra State. By Section 46 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the Commission shall, not later than 14 days before the day of the election, cause to be published, a notice specifying the date and hours fixed for the poll; the persons entitled to vote; and the location of the polling units.
“In the same vein, today is the last day for the submission of names of Polling Agents by political parties. By Section 45 of the Electoral Act, each political party may by notice in writing addressed to the Electoral Officer of the Local Government, appoint a polling agent for each polling unit and collation centre.
“The notice shall set out the name and address of the polling agent, accompanied by two passport photographs of each polling agent, and sample signature of the agent at least 14 days before the date fixed for the election.
“Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the law and the guidelines for the deployment of polling agents. Only duly accredited polling agents will be allowed to operate at the polling units and collation centres”, he said.
He also noted that the Commission appreciates, the role of religious, traditional and community leaders in Anambra State as well as civil society, socio-cultural associations and the media in appealing for peace during electioneering campaigns and Election Day activities.
