2019 : INEC assures of level playing ground for all parties in Bayelsa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa on Sunday assured a fair treatment to all parties participating in thr forth coming polls

The Commission said it is ready and has concluded arrangement to ensure the 2019 elections is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner in the state.

Mr. Timidi Wariowei, Head of Department Voters Education/Publicity said in Yenagoa, that INEC remains irrevocably committed to credible polls.

He assured that all political parties would be treated equally, as well as their candidates because the commission is committed to zero tolerance to unfair advantage in dealing with all candidates.

 ‘’There is no room for partiality or favouritism,” He said.

Wariowei urged candidates to play by the rules, by adhering to the commission stipulated guidelines, and above all to check the excesses of their loyalists and supporters.

He explained that the Commission will not tolerate political thuggery, violence and arson perpetrated by irate and over-zealous supporters.

‘’Candidates of various political parties must learn decorum in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines, as unruly behaviours would be unacceptable and be sanctioned,” Wariowei said.

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He warned against ballot box stuffing, snatching amongst other irregularities, adding that security agencies will be fully alert to arrest perpetrators.

Wariowei, advised those that have not collected their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to do so before the polls.

According to him, INEC in Bayelsa would assist those in the coastal settlements who are unable to collect their PVC owing huge cost of water transportation by making the card available in the communities.

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‘’We realize the challenge that people face with huge transportation cost to access their PVC in the rural councils.

“When coming to claim their cards, we request them to bring either temporary voters cards or passport photographs.

“If the  PVC is misplaced, we will ask for for proper identification and attestation as stipulated by the national office of the commission,” Wariowei said.

Wariowei said recruitment and training of INEC staff for the general elections was underway.

According to him polling officers, returning officers, security officers and other categories of adhoc comprising youth corps members would be trained soon in readiness to carry assigned task during the election.

Wariowei explained that the commission is embarking on sensitization campaigns to further inform political parties, candidates and staffs on further guidelines from the national office of the commission.