KDI Predicts Low Turn Out In Anambra Poll

By Joseph Sunday 

KIMPACT Development Initiative, KDI, has predicted that the off-cycle governorship election taken place across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State on Saturday (today) will experience a worse turn out compared to the previous elections in the State.

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The KIMPACT Development Initiative, KDI, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr Bukola Idowu, and made available to newsmen on Friday, decried the continuous fall of the voters turnout by over 58% in the last 8 years of holding an off cycles elections in Anambra State. 

He described the situation where there is an increase in the voters registration carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, whereas voters turnout during the off-cycle elections are falling at the same rate at which voters registration is growing as the major concern. 

Citing instance, KDI says despite that the Anambra North Senatorial district has been recording the highest number of registered voters, the voting strength in the State have continued to decline. 

KDI however identified logistical problems and geographical challenges such like the disadvantages of the riverine areas. 

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The Executive Director also faulted the conclusion of the training of ad-hoc officials just two days to the election day. 

He expressed the hope that if, the BVAS and IReV are well managed by the INEC, it will enhance the credibility of the election. 

He also expressed deep concerns on the endorsements by transport unions in the State such as NURTW, RTEAN, Keke Napep, Okada and Bus Unions for the incumbent Governor despite that they would be made use by INEC to convey election materials to the various RAC’s, Wards and polling units and return them after the conclusion of voting on election day. 

He revealed that the partisan posture of the transport unions could undermine the neutrality, cause risks and erode the trust and confidence of the people in the election process. 

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The election security black spots identified for the Saturday poll in Anambra State include places like Aguata, Ihiala, Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ogbaru among others.

The KDI also used the opportunity to advise the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure timely deployment of election materials, transparent procedures as well as restraints by political actors and supporters.  

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