BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – With many public institutions taking various precautionary measures in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed its planned Senatorial by-elections in three states of Bayelsa, Imo and Plateau.
Like the popular teasing statement in public domain, the fear of Covid-19 is fast becoming the beginning of wisdom for many people now.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, who announced the shift in a statement, explained that: “The Independent National Electoral Commission received notification of vacancies for the Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial Districts following the swearing into office of Senator Diri Duoye and Senator Lawrence O. Ewhrudjakpo as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State respectively.”
The statement further stated that; “The Commission also received notice of vacancies for the Imo North Senatorial District following the death of Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu and for Plateau South Senatorial District following the death of Senator Longjan Ignatius Datong”.
According to Okoye, “arising from the declaration of vacancies by the President of the Senate, the Commission commenced preparations for the conduct of by-elections to fill these vacancies.
“However, given the health emergency occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic and the preventive measures put in place by the health authorities, federal and state governments, the Commission has decided to postpone the four Senatorial by-elections until the situation normalises.”
The INEC National Commissioner explained that the development “is line with Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which empowers the Commission to postpone any election in the event of any emergency or natural disaster.
“The Commission is compelled to take this step in recognition of the fact that all major activities in the electoral process involve large gathering of people. These include the conduct of political party primaries, campaigns, stakeholder meetings, training and deployment of election and security personnel, movement of accredited observers and journalists, congregation of voters and other stakeholders at polling units, as well as the collation centres”.
The statement further said that, “while the Commission acknowledges the right and desire of citizens for effective representation, there is an over-riding public interest in ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all stakeholders.”
Going forward, the INEC National Commissioner explained that; “The timetable and schedule of activities for the postponed bye-elections will be issued as soon as the Coronavirus pandemic is contained.”
He however assured that the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States scheduled for September and October 2020 respectively are not affected by the present development.
“We appeal for the understanding and cooperation of all”, Mr Okoye “
