The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission has announced an extension of the voting period in the ongoing Local Government Election in the state.
In a statement on Wednesday, PLASIEC’s Head of Media, Koro Yakubu, said the extension became imperative due to unforeseen challenges encountered in some areas as regards the late arrival of sensitive materials in certain polling units across the state.
She said the Commission is actively addressing the issue and working to ensure that all materials are deployed accordingly and every voter exercises their franchise.
The statement read, “The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission PLASIEC hereby notifies the general public, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders that the time for the conduct of the ongoing Local Government Elections in Plateau State has been extended.
“The election which was scheduled for 8 am to 3 pm has now been extended by two hours and is expected to end by 5 pm. in the affected polling units.
“This extension has become necessary due to unforeseen challenges encountered in some areas as regards the late arrival of sensitive materials in certain polling units across the state.
She said the commission is actively addressing the issue and working to ensure that all materials are deployed accordingly.
She added that the technical hitch experienced with the Voter Accreditation Software in some polling units across the state has been resolved as the Presiding Officers have since reverted to the use of the manual registers.
Yakubu stated, “Our technical team is however working around the clock to resolve this issue to restore seamless operations.
“PLASIEC is fully committed to ensuring the credibility of this election and assures all citizens that every vote will count and that no eligible voter will be disenfranchised due to these delays.
“The Commission appreciates the patience and understanding of the public, and we remain dedicated to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.
“Further updates will be provided as the situation progresses.”
Eleven political parties and their candidates are battling to secure victory in the over 300 wards where the election is taking place across the 17 Local Government Areas.
Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress as well as the Labour Party are the major contenders
Some voters, in an interview with PUNCH Online, expressed concern with the non-functioning of the Voters Verification System deployed by PLASIEC for the conduct of the poll
Some voters also expressed concern over the shortage of election materials in some polling units with many of them expressing fear of possible disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
However, PLASIEC officials at the polling units pacified the voters and assured them that no eligible voter would be disenfranchised.
