INEC Issues Strong Warning: No Vote Counting in Violent Polling Units

As the Bayelsa State governorship election approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is taking a firm stance against violence in the electoral process. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made it clear that votes will not be counted in any polling unit where violence occurs during the election. This announcement comes as part of efforts to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Bayelsa.

Customized Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS):

One of the key measures implemented by INEC is the deployment of the Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS) to all polling units. Yakubu emphasized that the BIVAS devices have been customized specifically for INEC, displaying the commission’s details and party names. This ensures that any BVAS device lacking INEC details cannot be attributed to the electoral commission. The serial numbers of the BIVAS devices and result sheets will also be documented and signed at the polling units.

Zero Tolerance for Violence:

The INEC Chairman underlined the zero-tolerance policy for violence during the election. If violence erupts at a polling unit, INEC will not return to that unit to conduct the election. This strong stance is aimed at creating a safe and peaceful electoral environment.

INEC has undertaken extensive preparations for the election, including recruiting and training various categories of ad-hoc staff. Non-sensitive materials have been distributed to the eight local government areas in Bayelsa. Voter education and sensitization campaigns are also ongoing to inform the electorate about the electoral process.

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To ensure effective supervision of the election, two National Commissioners and eight Resident Electoral Commissioners will support the INEC office in Bayelsa. These collaborative efforts aim to guarantee a transparent and credible election on Saturday.

Police Assurance:

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tolani Alausa, assured the public that the police are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful election. He mentioned the deployment of an ample number of police personnel for the election, with three to six personnel assigned to each polling unit. Various police units, including mobile police forces and tactical units, are being deployed to Bayelsa to maintain security and prevent any disruptions.

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