The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rescheduled date for the forthcoming senatorial bye-elections on 5th December 2020.
The commission announced that all 15 pending bye-elections to fill 14 legislative seats across Nigeria will now take place next month.
INEC says security in the affected States has improved while the environmental challenges have reasonably abated. The Pending bye-elections were initially scheduled to hold on the 31st of October
In a press release signed by Festus Okoye Esq. National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education on November 13, 2020, said;
“Regarding the 15 pending bye-elections in 11 States.
It will be recalled. that the Commission met on 22nd October 2020 with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to deliberate on the said bye-elections earlier scheduled to hold on October 31, 2020, but postponed on account of the security situation and other environmental challenges in the country.”
The Commission met again on Thursday, 5th November 2020 and reviewed the situation. It noted among other things the extensive damage to and vandalization of its local government offices and facilities, which affected some areas where the bye-elections are scheduled to hold. Consequently, the Commission decided to consult critical stakeholders in the electoral process before deciding on a definite date for the conduct of the bye-elections.”
The Commission consulted with Political Parties and Civil Society Organizations on Tuesday 10th November 2020 and with the Media and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) on Wednesday 11 the November 2020. Finally, it met with all Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th November 2020.
Based on these consultations, the Commission believes that security in the affected States has improved while the environmental challenges have r.sonably abated. Consequently, the Commission has decided to hold all the pending bye-elections on Saturday, December 5, 2020.”
The Commission acknowledges the support, understanding and cooperation of political parties, the security agencies., the media civil society organizations and the general public as it considers the scheduling of the bye-elections and in its overall efforts to reposition the electoral process and give meaning and value to the votes of the people.”
We appeal to voters and stakeholders in the States with pending bye-elections to continue to cooperate with the Commission in its efforts to deliver credible elections under a safe environment.”