The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its plan to transmit results of the November 11 Bayelsa governorship election manually.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, Mr. Obo Effanga, stated this during a meeting with religious leaders and faith-based organizations in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
He assured that the Commission is committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, stressing that only voters who have been accredited using the BVAS system will be allowed to vote.
Mr. Effanga further advised voters that they may begin to cast their ballots as soon as they have received their ballot papers.
He also noted that the fourth week of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection process will conclude on October 11th.
He encouraged those who have not yet collected their cards to do so at their local government INEC offices.
Mr. Effanga also urged religious leaders and politicians who are members of churches to spread the message of peace to their congregations.
“16 political parties have fielded candidates for the election,” he said.
Reverend Joseph Belema, a religious leader who attended the meeting, praised the INEC for their commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.
He urged the candidates to approach the election as an opportunity to elect the best possible leader, rather than a do-or-die affair. He stressed that only one candidate would emerge victorious.
