Kwara LG polls postponed by two weeks

The Kwara Independent Electoral Commission has shifted the
forthcoming local government election in the state from the earlier
scheduled date of November 4 to November 18, 2017.

KWASIEC Chairman, Dr. AbdulRahman Ajidagba, said that the shift
was in response to requests from stakeholders, one of which is
because the election period coincides with the time Muslims would
travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

He said, “After the announcement of the election date, people
came to us from various political parties, some sent delegates,
pleading for a shift of the date.

“They said some people would be on Hajj and that they would need
to participate in the electoral process like party primaries. We
have, therefore, given a moratorium of two weeks. Election would
now hold on November 18, 20 17.

“The commission decided to change the date in order to allow
equity, fairness and balance and to allow all interested parties
and the electorate take part in the election.”

Representatives of the political parties, who all attended the
meeting, did not object to the new date.

They, however, called on KWASIEC to provide a level playing
field for all parties.

The Kwara Independent Electoral Commission has shifted the
forthcoming local government election in the state from the earlier
scheduled date of November 4 to November 18, 2017.

KWASIEC Chairman, Dr. AbdulRahman Ajidagba, said that the shift
was in response to requests from stakeholders, one of which is
because the election period coincides with the time Muslims would
travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

He said, “After the announcement of the election date, people
came to us from various political parties, some sent delegates,
pleading for a shift of the date.

“They said some people would be on Hajj and that they would need
to participate in the electoral process like party primaries. We
have, therefore, given a moratorium of two weeks. Election would
now hold on November 18, 20 17.

“The commission decided to change the date in order to allow
equity, fairness and balance and to allow all interested parties
and the electorate take part in the election.”

Representatives of the political parties, who all attended the
meeting, did not object to the new date.

They, however, called on KWASIEC to provide a level playing
field for all parties.