INEC starts distributing PVCs in wards and local governments for the Bayelsa guber election.

INEC starts distributing PVCs in wards and local governments for the Bayelsa gubernatorial election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Bayelsa State has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to eligible voters at the INEC headquarters and 15 residential areas and wards across the state.

GISTS VILLA gathered that the distribution of about 33,606 cards, which started on Monday, September 11, will last for a month before the gubernatorial election of November 11.

Briefing newsmen at the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Media Centre, INEC, Yenagoa, and the State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Barr. Obo Effanga, said the collection will be at the local government areas; however, registration areas with more than 500 uncollected PVCs will be open for eligible voters to also retrieve theirs.

He also urged the 16 participating political parties and their gubernatorial candidates to speak directly with voters, canvass for votes, and not depend on INEC for their victory, adding that the only way they can win the election is through campaigning.

Effanga said, “Nobody should depend on INEC for victory; that was what I told them in a recent workshop. The only way anybody will win the forthcoming election is for their parties to canvass for votes from the electorate. Talk to voters.

“Preparations for the election are ongoing. I’m assuring Bayelsans that INEC will do all she can to conduct a very good election, in respect to what the constitution, electoral acts, and guidelines of the election say.

“The only way anybody can win an election is through their campaigns with the people; we will not interfere by any means to assist anyone in winning an election. We will ensure all personnel sent to the field are adequately qualified and very knowledgeable about the process of election.

“Meetings with security agencies are ongoing; trainings have started. We will ensure materials are sent to all 105 wards and the 2244 polling units in the state. We will ensure materials are deployed to the areas.

“As we speak, most of the non-sensitive materials have been deployed to the areas where the elections will be conducted. The sensitive materials will also be sent there when they arrive.

“The areas that are difficult to reach, our plans are that we move early and get there on time so we don’t disenfranchise anybody. Also considering the issue of security, we will not get to a place earlier than arranged so that our material and personnel don’t get compromised. We are considering all that in handling our deployment.”