The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has said it will consult with civil society groups, political parties and the media before fixing a new date for bye-elections in 11 states across the country.
The commission disclosed this in a press release signed by Festus Okoye, INEC Commissioner, Information and Voter Education.
The bye-elections which were earlier scheduled to hold on October 31st were postponed due to the security situation across the country, especially in states where the bye-elections were scheduled to hold.
The commission noted that it “suffered extensive damage to and vandalization of its local government offices and facilities, including the areas where the bye-elections are scheduled to hold.”
It however noted that. “it is important to consult all the critical stakeholders in the electoral process before deciding on a definite date for the conduct of the bye-elections.
“Consequently, the commission will consult with political parties and civil society organizations on Tuesday, November 10th 2020, the media and Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) on Wednesday 11th November 2020 and the Resident electoral commissioners on Thursday, 12th November 2020 to decide a date for the conduct of the bye-elections.”
The commission thereafter appealed to stakeholders to continue to cooperate with the commission in its efforts to conduct credible elections under a safe and conducive environment.