Anambra: INEC to announce results at polling centres

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In a bid to enhance transparency in Saturday's Anambra State gubernatorial election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday disclosed that voting results would be announced at each of the polling units and that polling agents of all the political parties would be allowed to take audit of the ballot papers before the commencement of the election.This is as Brig.-Gen. Joseph Osuji, the commander of 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, has assured residents of Anambra of the safety of their lives and property during and after Saturday's governorship election.

Maurice Iwu, INEC chairman who gave the hint at a meeting with the Senate committee at the National Assembly complex where he briefed the lawmakers on the level of preparedness for the Anambra governorship election.Iwu who expressed the commission's readiness to ensure free and fair election in the state explained that its staff are being mobilized from 19 states of the federation.

"The pace of thoroughness of the preparations for the governorship election in Anambra State on February 6, 2010 reflects the determination of the commission to conduct a transparent, free and fair election in Anambra and wherever else in the country an election will be due subsequently," Iwu said.The INEC chief noted that 25 candidates are participating in the elections in 326 wards and 4,623 polling units across the state while 33 observer groups and a foreign embassy have so far been granted permission to observe the poll as part of the efforts to give the election credibility.

The Senate has called on the commission to be neutral during the conduct of the election and to cancel results where there is record of violence.Isiaka Adeleke, chairman Senate committee on INEC said "INEC must not only be seen to be neutral, but must be impartial in the conduct of the Anambra governorship election. Also, if there is any form of violence in any area, during the election, we want to advise that it should attract outright cancellation. Nigerians expect that the Anambra election should form the basis for free and fair elections in 2011. It is a sort of pilot scheme. "There is a great expectation from the commission by the people of Nigeria. It is expected that all the materials for the election should get into the designated areas on time. There must be a level playing field for all contestants, political parties and all the electorates," he stated.Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Joseph Osuji, the commander of 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, has assured residents of Anambra of the safety of their lives and property during and after Saturday's governorship election.

Source: Anambra: INEC to announce results at polling centres

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