INEC Prepares for Anambra Election with 2.8 Million Voters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that approximately 2.8 million registered voters are set to participate in the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2023. The commission noted that around 140,000 new voters have been registered in the state, with many others having received approvals to transfer their voter cards to Anambra.

In preparation for the election, the Anambra State Police Command has announced a significant increase in police presence across the state. Authorities aim to prevent any incidents of misconduct before, during, and after the election. The commitment to ensuring security underscores the importance of a peaceful electoral process.

Election Logistics and Technology Deployment

Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra, revealed that INEC plans to deploy 5,903 Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS) devices for the election, with an additional 978 BVAS held in reserve. She explained that there are 5,720 polling units in the state, along with 183 splits for units exceeding capacity. This deployment strategy aims to ensure efficient voter verification and enhance the overall electoral process.

During a recent Situation Room Dialogue Session in Abuja, Agwu emphasized the reliability of the BVAS technology, stating that it has not posed any significant issues in previous elections within Anambra. The reserve BVAS are intended to address any unforeseen technical challenges that may arise on election day.

Political Landscape and Candidate Readiness

A total of 16 political parties and their governorship candidates have been cleared to contest in the upcoming election. Agwu confirmed that all personnel involved in the electoral process have undergone comprehensive training, ensuring that they are well-prepared to facilitate a smooth voting experience.

With all arrangements in place, Agwu expressed confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct a peaceful and orderly election in Anambra State. The efforts to mobilize security forces and deploy adequate voting technology reflect INEC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and fostering public trust.

As the election date approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that the rights of every voter are protected and that the democratic process is upheld in Anambra State.