Ahead of the Bayelsa governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned sharply, stating that votes will not be counted in polling places where violence occurs. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, announced this during a gathering of interested parties in Yenagoa.
The Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) will be made available by the commission to every polling place for the election. Prof. Yakubu underlined the significance of the personalized BIVAS, which includes party names and INEC details, and cautioned that any BIVAS lacking these details is not from INEC.
In addition, INEC has carefully prepared for the election by hiring and training a variety of temporary employees, dispersing non-sensitive materials, and continuing voter education and sensitization campaigns.
Mr. Tolani Alausa, State Commissioner of Police, gave the assurance that the police are ready to guarantee a peaceful election. To uphold law and order, they will send out a sizable number of people, including tactical units and mobile police forces.
The police and INEC want to hold a free, fair, and credible election, and their readiness and commitment show that they are committed to making this happen. The caution against using violence to return to polling places, however, highlights how crucial a peaceful election process is.
