Anambra electoral commission deploys materials, ad hoc staff

The distribution of sensitive materials and the deployment of ad hoc staff to their respective polling wards across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State have commenced at the office of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission in Awka, ahead of the local government and councillorship elections scheduled for Saturday.

Our correspondent, who visited the ANSIEC office on Friday, observed that the distribution and labelling of materials proceeded smoothly, under tight security at the Commission’s office in Awka.

Officials, election observers, and ad hoc staff were seen sorting and packaging materials, including voting cubicles, ballot boxes, electoral forms, sheets, markers, pens, and other relevant items, into vehicles designated for various centres.

Hundreds of ad hoc staff, election observers, and media personnel also received accreditation tags and other necessary materials. Some of the ad hoc staff joined the vehicles heading to their duty locations.

Speaking to journalists, the ANSIEC Commissioner in Charge of Information and Logistics, Tony Nnalue, said, “All materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, have been sorted and packaged, and they are ready to be distributed to the various wards tonight for tomorrow’s voting.

“The ad hoc staff have been mobilised, and the vehicles carrying the materials and personnel are already on the ground. The exercise is in full swing.

“Voting will take place across the 21 local government areas of the state. In areas facing security challenges, special wards have been arranged, and vehicles have been provided to enable voters to access the locations and cast their votes.

“Over 100 candidates from more than 10 political parties are contesting the election. All parties are represented on the ballot, except for one political party, whose candidate has withdrawn from the race.”

Nnalue predicted that the election would be free, fair, and credible, stating, “Contrary to some rumours, we do not favour any candidates. All candidates have been given a level playing field. ANSIEC, as a body, is neutral and unbiased. Yes, the governor appointed us, but after our appointment and inauguration, the Commission became independent.”

He also warned election observers against announcing results, stressing that only the electoral body has the exclusive right to announce the official results.