With March 12, 2022 scheduled as date for the conduct of the local government election in Imo State, political parties in the state are expected to conduct primaries to select chairmanship and councillorship candidates between November 8- December8, 2021
According to a time table released by the State Electoral umpire, in Owerri, it stated that “political parties concerned shall inform the commission in writing the date,time and venue(s) of party primaries”
ISIEC time table is coming at a time it is unclear if the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP will participate in the election.
The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA Chairman in the State, Mr. John Iwuala, had suggested to ISIEC measures to ensure credible and hitch free LGA election in the State.
Within the period December 9- 23rd, 2021, according to the ISIEC time table will be for collection of form ISIEC DF 001 and 002 (affidavit/personal particulars for candidates) for elections, commencement of payment by candidates of the non refundable deposit and presentation of bank teller to the commission.
On January 10, 2022, as stated in the time- table will be deadline for submission to the Commission, Forms ISIEC DF 001 and ISIEC 002 at ISIEC headquarters Orlu Road, Owerri, payment by candidates of the non refundable deposit and presentation of bank teller to the Commission not later than 6pm.
Recall that ISIEC had engaged key stakeholders in the State such as the the Inter Party Advisory Committee, IPAC, where they brainstormed on the way forward to ensure a peaceful LGA election in the State.
In a related development, the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, have been advised to ensure a credible, hitch free local government election.
Mr. Paul Okoye, a political analyst based in Owerri, said the election will produce elected representatives for those at the grassroots and bring government closer to the local populace.
He commended ISIEC for initiating the process to hold the polls after several years local government election have been ignored in the state by past administrations.