Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Polls: INEC fixes October 14 for mock election

In preparation for the gubernatorial elections on November 11, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Monday that it would run mock elections in the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi on October 14, 2023.

According to a statement released by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, a total of nine Senatorial Districts and twenty-seven polling units have been identified across the three states.

Olumekun emphasized that all information on polling sites, including LGA, RA/Ward, Delimitation Code, and the total number of registered voters, is available on the Commission’s website and social media pages.

He also mentioned that the sham vote would take place at the same time.

Olumekun said that the experience would be used to make Election Day go off without a hitch by incorporating the lessons learned.

When discussing the upcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, he said, “The Commission met on Monday, September 25th, and, among other issues, reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections.”

According to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), “the Commission will conduct a mock accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and upload polling unit results.” This is similar to what happened in recent off-cycle governorship elections.

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., “the test run will take place simultaneously in the three States.”

The Commission urged eligible voters to bring their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the exercise on the dates specified.

In addition, it reassured voters that the practice election wasn’t the real thing but rather only an accreditation test.