Bayelsa: INEC creates additional 440 polling units 

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa

Ahead of 2023 general elections, the independent national electoral commission, says it has created additional 440 polling units in Bayelsa State.

The Resident electoral commissioner, Bayelsa State, Dr.Emmanuel Alex Hart made this known while briefing newsmen on Friday at Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Media Centre, Ovom, Yenagoa, the state capital.

The Resident electoral commissioner said, the creation of the additional 440 polling units was done prior to the 2019 general elections, adding that the total number of polling units in Bayelsa State is now 2,244.

He revealed that the continuous voter registration exercise embarked upon by the commission ended first quarter of 2022 and urged Bayelsan that the quarter break frame period is for display of preliminary register of voters for claims and objections, handling of complaints and running of automated biometric system for the CVR data.

“The quarterly break is to allow for the display of the Preliminary Register of Voter (PRV) for claims and objections, handling of complaints and running of Automated Biometrics Identification System (ABIS) for the CRV data, which is said to run from 23rd March to 10th, April, 2022.”

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He commended Bayelsan for their response since the commencement of continuous voters registration (CVR) exercise June 2021, saying as at March, 2022 online pre-registration was 393,129 while those who completed their in-person registration was 226,900.

He urged eligible voters in the state to go for their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), to enable them equip themselves as the general election draws closer.

His words; ”I wish to emphasize that the new units need voters to make them viable. In this regard, new registrants alone cannot fill them up, thus we advise old registrants should verify, take advantage of the new location.

“Apply for transfers to these new units to ensure that by the 30th of June, 2022 when this CVR evercise will be put on hold to enable us prepare for the 2023 elections, the units will have the minimum required number of eligible voters.”

The Bayelsa REC said the notice of Election has been published on 28th of February, 2022 in compliance with the schedule of activities as detailed in the election time table for 2023.

He pointed out that the Electoral Act 2022 which is the guide for the 2023 election has activities that are time bound and called on stakeholders to take note and comply with the schedule accordingly.