The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega has given the assurance of the commission’s readiness and ability to conduct a credible gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state, on Saturday, February 11th, 2012.
The INEC boss gave the affirmation at a stakeholder’s consultative meeting, with leadership of all political parties, candidates and electoral officers that will participate in the poll on Saturday.
To forestall the late arrival of electoral materials as recorded with recent elections conducted by the commission, Professor Jega confirmed that “materials for the poll are now ready.” “The officials are adequately trained and have developed a partnership with all the security agencies, ahead of the poll.”
He advised political parties and their supporters to abide by the rules and regulations of the electoral process.
In acknowledgement that there are still room for improvement on the electoral process, the INEC boss however pledged that the commission has committed itself to “being impartial, non-partisan and determined to provide a level playing ground for all the political parties and their respective candidates.”
Earlier, the resident electoral commissioner, Edwin Nwatalari, pleaded with prospective electorates to ensure they do not approach polling boots with unacceptable materials, other than their voter cards.
The resident electoral-commissioner also outlined the process through which the exercise will be carried out on Saturday.
