By Ushang Ewa
The Independent National Electoral Commission has rescheduled the House of Assembly bye-election for the Ikom 2 State Constituency from November 10 to 17, 2018.
The new date for the election was contained in a release signed by Dr Frankland Briyai, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) on Friday in Calabar reports the Punch.
Briyai who explained that the change of date was due to logistics problems, said political parties have been notified of the new date while the bye-election timetable has been forwarded to all stakeholders.
“The election will be held in 55 polling units and 11 voting points in the four wards of Ikom 2 State Constituency.
“Those who voted in the 2015 general elections and those who registered between April 2017 and March 2018 and have collected their PVCs before the by-election are eligible to vote during the by-election.
“Accreditation and voting during the by-election will be done simultaneously as voters will be accredited and allowed to vote immediately.
“Smart Card Readers will be used for the verification and accreditation of voters during the exercise,” he said.
The REC who disclosed that about 250 officials will be required to conduct the bye-election, averred that Registration Area Centres would be created to accommodate election personnel and materials a day before the by-election to avoid delay on election day.
“The commission calls on all stakeholders to play by the rules before, during and after the polls.
“The commission promises to provide a level playing ground for all and live up to its vision, mission and core values of integrity and impartiality.”
The bye-election is necessitated by the death of Mr. Simon Nkoro who passed away on August 25, 2018. His wife, Mrs. Stella Nkoro has been selected as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party for the elections.
And, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu had said the House leadership declared his seat vacant and fixed November 17 as the last day for all bye-elections to be conducted.
“The Cross River State House of Assembly has declared vacancy in Ikom II State Constituency following the death of the member representing the Constituency. Consequently, the Commission will conduct bye-elections,” Mr Mahmood said while briefing journalists on updates on the implementation of activities for the 2019 general elections in Abuja last week.
Mahmood had said he has directed the REC, “Cross River State to convene stakeholders’ meetings immediately and prepare for the bye-elections latest by Saturday, November 17.”
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