The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has stated that it intends to physically submit the results of the November 11 Bayelsa governorship election.
Mr Obo Effanga, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State, stated this on Wednesday in Yenagoa, during an interactive session with religious leaders and faith-based organizations.
Effanga stated that INEC was prepared to hold a free, fair, and credible election, and that only voters certified by BVAS would be permitted to vote.
“Immediately you are given the ballot paper you can start voting.
“We are in the fourth week of collection of PVCs and it will end on Oct. 11. Those who have not collected their cards should go to the INEC office in their local government areas,” he said.
Effanga urged the stakeholders to advise their candidates to be peaceful.
“Religious leaders should take the message to their congregation and politicians who are also Church members,’’ he said.
He stated that 16 political parties had candidates running in the race.
One of the religious leaders, Rev. Joseph Belema, complimented INEC, emphasizing that free, fair, and credible elections were the way forward for electing excellent leaders.
He urged the contenders not to view the election as a game of chance, noting that only one person would be elected. (NAN)