C/River by-election to hold on Nov. 17, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the by-election for Ikom 2 State Constituency of Cross River from Nov. 10 to Nov. 17.

The new date for the election was contained in a release signed by Dr Frankland Briyai, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner on Friday in Calabar.

Briyai explained that the change of date was due to logistics problems.

According to him, political parties have been notified of the new date while the by-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 said 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.

He added that 250 polls officials would be required to conduct the by-election.

“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.”

NAN reports that the slot for Ikom 2 State Constituency became vacant following the demise of Mr Simon Nkoro who died on Aug. 25, 2018 after a brief illness in Calabar.