The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has reminded politicians in Imo State that the era of rigging and snatching of ballot boxes during elections is over.
This was disclosed by the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Francis Ezeonu when the executives of Imo State Town Unions led by its President, Emeka Diwe visited him in his office in Owerri.
Ezeonu said with the introduction of new devices by INEC, it will make nonsense of the old order where politicians engage in all manner of methods to win elections. He advised them to get closer to the people ahead of the 2019 elections, stating that the commission is committed to a credible, free and fair election in Imo State in 2019.
He said INEC facilities are being upgraded and updated, saying the hitches witnessed in the ongoing registration of Permanent Votes Card will soon be over. He said the registration and obtaining of PVCs is a continuous exercise that will end sixty days before the 2019 election.
The Imo INEC boss encouraged those who are yet to obtain their PVCs to do so because it is their right to use it to elect candidates of their choice.
He also disclosed that about 370,000 Voters Card are yet to be collected in Imo State and the Commission are going to liaise with traditional rulers and Town Union Executives to ensure the real owners of the PVCs get them.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Imo State Town Union Executives, Chief Emeka Diwe informed the INEC boss of the role of the Town Unions increasing electoral awareness. He said the Union will be available to offer advise to INEC to ensure credible, free and fair election in Imo State in 2019.
The meeting was attended by Imo State Electoral Commissioner of INEC Professor Ezeonu, his Principal Officers, Chief Emeka Diwe, Chef Monday Ikoku, Chief Ikechi Emekwe and other executives of the Union.
