INEC deploys over 700 staff for Enugu re-run

The Independent National Electoral Commission says it is over 95 per cent ready to conduct a hitch-free re-run elections in two constituencies within Enugu State as ordered by the Court of Appeal.

INEC will conduct a re-run in Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency and Enugu South (Urban) Constituency on Saturday.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, told journalists on Friday in Enugu that the commission had deployed over 700 staff and ad hoc staff as well as 700 armed security men for the re-run.

Chukwu explained that the over 700 staff and ad hoc staff deployed included Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, Electoral Officers, Registration Area Officers, Collation Officers and two Returning Officers among others.

He said  the commission had perfected arrangements with transport unions and had made 50 per cent payment to them to ensure that they deliver on human and material logistics for the election.

The REC said that apart from the regular election observers and monitors; the commission had appointed three special monitors for the three local governments involved.

He sais, “With the water-tight arrangements, it is clear that INEC will deliver a credible, fair and seamless election, which is devoid of violence and rancour.

“We encourage all eligible voters involved to come out en mass to exercise their franchise as we have security well on ground.”.

Chukwu said that no fewer than 67,315 eligible voters will participate in the re-run holding between 8am and 2:30pm on Saturday.

He said  a total of 173 polling units in 25 Registration Areas, popularly known as political wards, would be open for Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency and Enugu South (Urban) State Constituency re-run.

The REC said  for Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, there would be a total number of 62,697 eligible voters within 24 Registration Areas as well as 165 polling units.

He said  for Enugu South (Urban) State Constituency, there would be 4,618 eligible voters within one Registration Area and eight polling units.

He added that just like the 2023 elections, all technological devices of INEC would be deployed.

These include: Bimodal Voters Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal.

Chukwu noted that all rules and regulations for general elections would apply and be observed during the re-run, assuring all that any eligible voter who made himself/herself available before 2:30 p.m. must vote and his/her vote counted.