Bayelsa Guber Poll: INEC Commences Distribution Of PVCs
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Bayelsa State, has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to eligible voters at the INEC headquarters and 15 residential areas and wards across the state.
Naija News House gathered that the distribution of about 33,606 cards, which started on Monday 12th September, will last for a month before the gubernatorial election of November 11.
Briefing newsmen at the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Media Centre, INEC, Yenagoa, the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Barr. Obo Effanga, said the collection will be at the local government areas, however, registration areas with more than 500 uncollected PVCs will be open for eligible voters to also retrieve theirs.
He also urged the 16 participating political parties and their guber candidates to speak directly with voters and canvass for votes, and not depend on INEC for their victory, adding that the only way they can win the election is through campaign.
Effanga said, “Nobody should depend on INEC for victory that was what I told them in a recent workshop. The only way anybody will win the forthcoming election is for their parties to canvass for votes from the electorates. Talk to voters.
“Preparations for the election is ongoing, I’m assuring Bayelsans that INEC will do all her best to conduct a very good election, in respect to what the constitution, electoral acts, and the guideline of the elections says.
“The only way anybody can win election is through their campaigns to the people, we will not interfere by any means to assist anyone to win election. We will ensure all personnel sent to the field are adequately qualified and very knowledgeable about the processes of election.
“Meeting with security agencies are ongoing, trainings have started. We will ensure materials are sent to all the 105 wards, and the 2244 polling units in the state. We will ensure materials are deployed to the areas.
“As we speak most of all the non sensitive materials have been deployed to the areas where the elections will be conducted. The sensitive materials will also be sent there when they arrive.
“The areas that are difficult to reach, our plans is that we move early and get there on time so we don’t disenfranchise anybody. Also considering the issue of security, we will not also get to a place earlier than arrange so that our material and personnels don’t get compromised. We are considering all that in handling our deployment.”
