By Our Reporter
Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has fixed March 28, 2020 as new date for the Local Government Elections in the State.
In a press release signed by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mike Ushie dated December 23, 2019, indicated that after consultation with stakeholders in the electoral process across the State, the Commission has on Monday, December 23, 2019, shifted the elections to March 28, 2020, and also in line with CROSIEC law, 2004, and the electoral Act 2010.
“In line with CROSIEC Law Section 20(1) Vol. 3 cap C18 laws of Cross River, 2004 and in keeping with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which guarantees 30 and 90 days respectively for the issuance of notification of Conduct of Local Government Election. And in consultation with stakeholders in the electoral process held across the State, the notice is hereby given effective today 23 December, 2019 that election into the Cross River State Local Government Councils shall hold on 28 March, 2020”.
The press release also stressed that the current notice and date supersede the previous notice in this regards, and called on all stakeholders, political parties and members of the public to take note of the new date and act accordingly.
The commission equally stated, “In order to facilitate the clearance of candidates by the Commission, all political parties are requested to collect, fill and return CROSIEC form No. LGE 001 and LGE 002 alongside the personal data form in respect of Chairmanship, Vice Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates to reach the Commission on or before 29 January, 2020”.
It added that “all candidates shall proceed to obtain nomination forms No. LGE 006 and 006B from the Commission’s Headquarters, Calabar on payment of the stipulated fees. Completed nomination forms should be delivered to the Commission’s Headquarters where obtained,” while at the same time regretting any inconveniences that the postponement may have caused.
The election was earlier scheduled for 22 February 2020.