Bayelsa Guber Election: INEC Begins PVC Distribution In Wards And Local Communities....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa State has initiated the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters. This distribution process is taking place at various locations, including the INEC headquarters and 15 residential areas and wards across the state.

Approximately 33,606 PVCs are set to be distributed during this month-long exercise, which began on September 12th. The distribution is in preparation for the gubernatorial election scheduled for November 11th.

During a press briefing at the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Media Centre in Yenagoa, Barr. Obo Effanga, the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), explained that PVC collection centers would be established in local government areas. Additionally, registration areas with over 500 uncollected PVCs will be opened for eligible voters to retrieve their cards.

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Effanga emphasized that political parties and their gubernatorial candidates must engage directly with voters, canvassing for votes as the primary means of securing victory. He underscored that INEC would not intervene to assist any candidate in winning the election and urged parties to campaign effectively.

Effanga stated, “Nobody should depend on INEC for victory… The only way anybody will win the forthcoming election is for their parties to canvass for votes from the electorates.”

He assured Bayelsans that INEC was committed to conducting a transparent and fair election, adhering to constitutional provisions, electoral laws, and guidelines. The REC also mentioned that preparations for the election were underway, including training for personnel and deployment of materials to polling units.

Effanga concluded by stating that non-sensitive materials had already been deployed to areas where the elections would be held, and sensitive materials would follow upon arrival. Additionally, meetings with security agencies were ongoing to ensure a secure and successful election process.

In regions that are challenging to access, our strategy is to depart early and ensure timely arrival to avoid any potential disenfranchisement. Additionally, taking into account security concerns, we will not arrive at a location earlier than planned to prevent any compromise to our materials and personnel. We are taking all these factors into careful consideration when managing our deployment.”