ABUJA- The independent national electoral commission (INEC) yesterday in Abuja expressed its commitment to conclude the suspended elections in Rivers, Imo, Kogi and Kano states not later than 31st July 2016.
The elections were earlier disrupted by violence, forcing INCE to cancel the polls and pull out its staff.
INCE however gave a caveat. It said provided that all necessary consultations and activities leading to the elections were concluded on time and that conditions were conducive enough for the conduct of the elections.
In a statement issued and signed by the director, Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze-uzzi, the commission reiterated that inspite of this commitments, it would not return to conduct elections or hesitate to further postpone or discontinue the suspended elections in any area where their was imminent threat to their lives or to peace or security, especially where such threats were likely to lead to breakdown of law order.
The commission which issued a road map for the resolution of the crisis and violence which led to the suspension of the elections in the affected areas said it would fix the dates for the elections following consultations with political parties and candidates.
Meanwhile, INEC has scheduled the continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise for Edo and Ondo states from wednesday 22nd June to sunday 26st June 2016. According to the commission's decision extract issued and signed by director commissions secretariat by Ishaku A. Gali, the commission has also scheduled monday 27th June 2016 as the conclusion of claims and objections.
