Rivers Local Government Elections Marred by Irregularities and Questionable Credibility
In a report slamming Saturday’s local government election in Rivers State, Nigerian-based observer group The Peoples Advocates (TPA) has criticized the entire electoral process, citing rampant irregularities and a severely tainted outcome. The polling stations, which took place in 23 local government areas, were marred by the absence of results sheets, violence, improper collation processes, and much more.
Despite recommendations and efforts by the candidate-turned-governor of the state, Sim Fubara, to abide by a court order aimed at stopping the election, polling stations went ahead. Predictably, candidates vying for the All People’s Party (APP) gained the majority of available council seats, with at least 22 out of the 23 local areas reported to have been gained. However, TPA insisted that the election remains doubtful due to the mentioned problems.
The observer’s committee, which monitored these and other issues, declared their findings in a full-page report. "Some serious irregularities were highlighted as the absence of poll records, violence, corruption processes, and other difficulties had a significant impact." An example of this confusion saw agents of the Workers Party and other interested competitors withdraw from the election given results sheets were not included to ensure the credibility. To make matters worse: These irregularities were accompanied with the use of primitive or outdated voting methods within other polling stations.
"In areas like Phalga LG, D. and. Line Ward 10 Unit 8, some citizens were left without representation without the ability to do such. The lack resulted due to the failure result reporting. The incident highlights our inability to effectively execute all polling stations. They asked for results sheets due and moved to stop The political parties, the votes The polling stations, due time. This is risky It is not the results In the event of.
While the election commission. All People’s Party
With the intention of rectify the situation, Peoples advocate has made several additional calls to the election bodies They are asking for them It is essential to develop A fair and transparent.
One of the main objections highlighted by the observer
Following the report, both.
