TheCable

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency in the supplementary governorship election in Ihiala LGA, Anambra state.

The electoral commission had suspended the collation of results after Ahmadu Umar, the collation officer for Ihiala LGA, reported that there was no election in the area.

“The outstanding result is for Ihiala LGA, where for various reasons, the commission could not deploy materials yesterday,” Florence Obi, the returning officer for the election, had said.

“Consequently, based on constitutional considerations and provisions of the Electoral Act, as well as revised regulations and guidelines for the conduct of election issued by the commission, supplementary election is indicated for Ihiala local government area.”

Briefing journalists at its situation room on Monday, CDD said INEC should conduct the supplementary poll with sincerity.

“In this specific case as you are aware, voting did not occur in one LGA and the number of votes from that area were higher than the difference between the candidates that have so far come first and second. To maintain the sanctity, therefore, it became necessary to declare it inconclusive that there would be a follow-up,” the statement reads.

“We call on INEC, political parties and security agencies to ensure that the supplementary election in Ihiala LGA fixed for November 9 is conducted with sincerity and within the electoral guidelines.”

CDD also urged INEC to seek a solution to the challenge of technological hitches during the voting process.

“The reported malfunction of the BVAS in most polling units has raised concerns about the reliability of the device. CDD believes that the intention behind the introduction of the BVAS is laudable. Importantly, the successful deployment of the device in many polling units demonstrates its utility and reliability. For example, in Ekwusigo LGA, Ward 3, Units 3, 4, 5 and 6, and Ward 5 Units 1 and 2, CDD’s observers reported the seamless deployment of the BVAS,” CDD said.

“As was experienced with the card reader at its inception stage, we are confident that INEC will seek solutions to the identified challenges with the device. However, INEC must take immediate measures to enhance the infrastructure behind the technology and ensure adequate training for Adhoc staff on the efficient use of the device.

“We cannot at each time a new technology is introduced, continue to have these hitches.”