By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has disclosed that the commission will no longer conduct the local government elections at the earlier announced date of May 7th, 2022.
The Chairman of BSIEC, Dr. Tersoo Loko, made the disclosure while briefing journalists on the activities of the commission for the conduct of the polls.
He disclosed that April 30th, 2022 is the new date for the elections.
The BSIEC Boss explained that May 7th clashes with the general timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) bordering on preparations for effective conduct of the 2023 general elections
Citing section 95 of the state electoral (Amended) 2012 law to justify the change, Dr. Loko explained that the law gives “the Commission the powers to abridge its timetable” which according to him fast track the process for emergence of democratic leaders at the third tier of government.”
He denied the allegation that the sudden change of timetable would affect preparations by participating the political parties because of adequacy of the time the parties have to mobilise their members for the contests.
He also justified the media briefing that the news of the change would reach the critical stakeholders as desired.
Expressing regret at the “inconvenience the change in date might cause all the electorates and other critical stakeholders,” Dr. Loko, however, presented ths new timetable on the activities mostly affected.
They include submission of names of polling agents by political parties on Monday, April 25th, 2022 from 9.00a.m to 4.00p.m, termination of campaign,Thursday, April 28th, 2022 by 12.00 midnight.
Others are election and declaration of results on Saturday, April 30th, 2022, publication of results on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, re-run election if any on Thursday, May 5th, 2022, and issuance of certificate on Friday, May 6th, 2022.