In preparation for the upcoming re-run elections in Sokoto State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Sokoto State office stated its commitment to orchestrating a smooth and conflict-free voting process across 46 polling units.
This strategic initiative comes in the wake of the recent annulment of certain state elections by the appeal court, prompting INEC to designate February 3rd as the pivotal date for these recalibrated polls in alignment with national judicial directives.
In an official statement shared on Tuesday by Muhammad Hassan Ka’oje, the Public Affairs Officer of INEC Sokoto, it was explicitly outlined that the mandated re-run elections would be concentrated in 46 polling units spread across Yabo/Shagari federal constituency, Bodinga North, and Tambuwal West state constituencies.
To uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the statement underscored that only voters possessing valid permanent voter cards registered within the specified polling units are eligible to participate in these consequential elections.
The implementation of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for both accreditation and voting highlights INEC’s commitment to a technologically advanced and transparent electoral methodology.
The voting period is slated to commence at 8:30 am and conclude at 2:30 pm on the stipulated day. Notably, the statement emphasized that individuals present in the queue before 2:30 pm will still be facilitated, ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to exercise their democratic franchise.
In addition to operational intricacies, the statement issued a directive to political parties, urging them to initiate their campaign activities between January 5th and conclude by February 1, 2024, strictly adhering to legal provisions governing the election timetable.