The Independent National Electoral Commission has postponed 15 senatorial and state bye-elections earlier planned to hold in 11 states.

INEC said the elections, slated for October 30, were postponed over the current security situation.

This was contained in a statement by INEC’s spokesperson, Festus Okoye, on Thursday.

The statement read, “INEC met today, 22nd October 2020 with the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners to review preparations for the 15 bye-elections in 11 States of the Federation scheduled to hold on 31st October 2020.

“On Wednesday 21st October 2020, the Commission notified the nation that having taken cognizance of the current security situation in parts of the country, a meeting with the 37 RECs will be held to evaluate the situation in the States and Constituencies where bye-elections have been scheduled.

“Accordingly, the Commission has decided to postpone the bye-elections in the 6 Senatorial Districts and 9 State Constituencies.

“This decision is in compliance with Section 26 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which gives the Commission the power to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date, or that it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies.

“The Commission will continue to monitor the situation in all the States and Constituencies, consult with relevant Stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to review the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections”.

Details later…

By Sodiq Oyeleke