Violence: INEC to reschedule elections in Rivers, Lagos, Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission, on Saturday, said
that it would reschedule elections in some parts of Rivers, Anambra
and Lagos States where there were cases of violence and ballot box
snatching.

The commission which specifically mentioned the National
Assembly elections in Rivers State, also acknowledged the
challenges of smart card readers, saying they have been
resolved.

INEC Commissioner and chairman of its Information and Voter
Education Committee, Festus Okoye, while giving an update on the
ongoing elections, said where the malfunctioning of smart card
readers were not resolved before the closing of elections, voting
will continue the next day.

He said, “We received reports of violence and ballot box
snatching which took place in Akokotoro and Bonny LGAs in Rivers
State; and some parts of Lagos and Anambra states. We are waiting
for the reports, we have told the Resident Electoral Commissioners
in the states to submit reports. So long as the poll is didn’t
commence, it is assumed that there was no voting.

“So, elections in these areas, especially in areas related to
the House of Representatives and Senate didn’t take place and the
date for the election will be decided later after we receive
reports from INEC officials on ground.”

The commission also said that most of the challenges association
with smart card readers were resolved on time.

Okoye also threatened that any INEC official who deliberately
refused to make use of the smart card readers would be prosecuted
because that action contravened the electoral guidelines and
provisions of the Electoral Act.

He said, “It was made clear that the use of smart card reader is
mandatory. Therefore any official of the commission who will
deliberately refuse to use the smart card reader will be subject to
prosecution.

“The challenges of smart card readers have been resolved. But
where they are not resolved before the closing of elections, the
election will continue the next day.”

He also explained that all the unused ballot papers will be
cancelled immediately after election.”