#End SARS protest: INEC postpones bye – elections in Bayelsa, Imo, Lagos, others
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on Thursday, announced the postponement of its legislative bye – elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Lagos, other states, citing the security mood of the nation as reasons.
The commission has earlier fixed October 31 as date for the conduct of 15 state and National Assemblies bye – elections, but has to postpone them indefinitely, as a result of the violent #End SARS protests that have rocked the country in major cities, which had seen hoodlums hijacking the agitations to wreak havoc across the nation.
INEC, which took the decision after the commission’s meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory said it would meet again in two weeks to assess the security situation and decide on the bye-elections.
National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr. Festus Okoye disclosed this in a statement on Thursday evening.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met today, 22nd October 2020 with the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to review preparations for the 15 bye-elections in 11 States of the Federation scheduled to hold on 31st October 2020.
“On Wednesday 21st October 2020, the Commission notified the nation that having taken cognizance of the current security situation in parts of the country, a meeting with the 37 RECs will be held to evaluate the situation in the States and Constituencies where bye-elections have been scheduled.
“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to postpone the bye-elections in the 6 Senatorial Districts and 9 State Constituencies. This decision is in compliance with Section 26 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which gives the Commission the power to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date, or that it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies.
“The Commission will continue to monitor the situation in all the States and Constituencies, consult with relevant Stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to review the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections.
“The Commission appeals for calm and understanding of the stakeholders and voters in the States where elections were scheduled. The safety of the voters, election officials and other stakeholders is paramount to the Commission in conducting elections,” the statement concluded.
