The local government elections in Rivers State, involving 18 political parties competing for 23 chairmanship and 319 councillorship seats across 6,866 polling units, are experiencing a sluggish start, with low voter turnout and significant delays in the distribution of electoral materials.
As of 10 a.m. on Saturday, voting centers in several areas, including Units 18 and 60 in Ward 5, Elelewo Community, Obio/Akpor LGA, remained empty, with only police officers present and no electoral materials delivered.
Reports indicate delays at Registration Area Centres (RACs) statewide, hampering the timely distribution of sensitive materials.
Nyebuchi Chinda, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent at Unit 18, Ward 5, Elelewo, attributed the hold-up to logistical challenges, noting that electoral officers were still en route to deliver materials to polling units.
Despite a police-imposed 18-hour movement restriction from midnight Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday, some residents were seen flouting the order.
Markets operated partially, and individuals moved freely for personal business, signaling lukewarm compliance with security measures.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had promised a “free, fair, and credible” election, but the delays and low engagement have raised concerns among stakeholders.
The elections follow months of political and legal disputes, with some parties boycotting the process and challenging its legitimacy under the state’s emergency rule.
As voting progresses, observers await updates on whether logistical issues will be resolved to ensure a smooth electoral process.
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