The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended voting time in areas where the electoral process commenced late, ensuring no voter is disenfranchised.
A statement issued by INEC National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, revealed that although polls commenced early in many polling units, late starts were reported in some locations, according to Chanels TV.
He stated that the Commission continues to monitor the ongoing governorship election in Edo State from the situation room at the National Headquarters in Abuja.
He highlighted that monitoring indicates early commencement of polls in many Polling Units, but there were also reports of late commencement in some locations.
To address the issue, INEC has instructed voting to continue until the last voter in the queue, who arrived by 2:30 pm, has cast their ballot. This measure ensures all eligible voters can exercise their right.
Additionally, INEC has ensured adequate power supply from backup electric generators in affected Polling Units or Ward Collation Centers.
This decision comes after reports emerged of delayed starts at some polling units, including that of Peoples Democratic Party
candidate Asue Ighodalo.
According to the statement, The Commission continues to monitor the ongoing governorship election in Edo State from our situation room at the National Headquarters in Abuja.
‘Our monitoring indicates early commencement of polls in many Polling Units, but there are also reports of late commencement in some locations.
“To ensure that no voter is disenfranchised, the Commission wishes to reiterate that, in line with our Regulations and Guidelines, voting will be extended wherever it commenced late and will continue until the last voter in the queue who arrived at the Polling Unit by 2.30 pm has voted.
“Accordingly, we have drawn the attention of our office in Edo State to ensure that, where necessary, there is adequate power supply from our backup electric generators in the affected Polling Units or Ward Collation Centres.”
