By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has reaffirmed its readiness for the upcoming local government election scheduled for tomorrow, September 28.
The ANSIEC Chairperson, Magistrate Genevieve Osakwe, disclosed this during a media briefing at the Commission’s Headquarters in Awka on Friday.
Speaking through the ANSIEC Commissioner for Information and Publicity, Sir Anthony Chinedu, the ANSIEC Chairperson emphasized that the Commission has taken every necessary step to ensure the election will be transparent, free, fair, and peaceful.
According to him, ANSIEC is determined to deliver the best election ever conducted in the history of Anambra State.
“We have put every mechanism in place to conduct the best election ever. You can see the sorting and distribution of election materials is ongoing, and we have ensured that there will be no cases of delayed arrival of materials or election personnel at any polling unit,” Sir Chinedu stated.
The Commissioner assured voters that polling units will open at 8:00 am, while voting will close at 4:00 pm, further stressing that ANSIEC is prepared to avoid delays, as every necessary arrangement has been meticulously made.
Regarding security arrangements, Sir Chinedu highlighted the collaboration between ANSIEC and security agencies to provide comprehensive coverage across all local government areas, including regions perceived as difficult or high-risk. He noted that some communities in different parts of the State, such as those in Orumba South, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi South Local Government Areas, and a few others that are prone to security concerns will receive special attention.
According to him, polling units in extremely remote or sensitive areas have been strategically relocated to the Local Government Headquarters of the communities, to ensure the safety of both voters and electoral officials.
Sir Chinedu further assured that ANSIEC had put additional measures in place to facilitate provision of vehicles for free transportation of the voters in the affected polling units to the local government secretariats where their polling units are relocated to, to cast their votes; while adequate security has also been provided in those places.
“We have provided transport services to help voters in difficult terrains. The vehicles will be clearly marked with election materials, and security personnel will ensure the smooth movement of voters to and from polling units,” he said.
Clarifying the voting process, Sir Chinedu explained that accreditation and voting will be done simultaneously to ensure a seamless flow of activities at polling units.
“As soon as voters are accredited, they will immediately proceed to cast their votes. This method will prevent long queues and unnecessary delays.
“Voting will officially end at 4:00 pm, with results expected to be announced shortly after the conclusion of the counting process,” he said.
He further reiterated the Commission’s independence, dismissing any suggestions of external interference in the election process. He reassured that ANSIEC, though appointed by the state government, operates with full autonomy as enshrined by law.
“ANSIEC is an independent body, and we are committed to delivering an unbiased, transparent election. Our primary duty is to the people of Anambra, and we are focused on fulfilling that mandate with the highest level of integrity,” he said.
The ANSIEC Commissioner re-echoed the earlier calls on voters to come out en masse to exercise their civic rights, assuring that all necessary measures have been put in place for a peaceful and credible election.
“We are calling on the people of Anambra to come out tomorrow and vote. Rest assured, every vote will count, and your safety is guaranteed.”
