VOTER REASSIGNMENT TO NEW POLLING UNITS HINDERS FCT ELECTIONS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Non-profit organization Yiaga Africa has stated that the allocation of voters to new polling units by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disrupted elections in some areas.

Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at the group, made the revelation on Saturday during an interview with the media.

She explained that voters were reassigned to new polling units without prior notification. Many became frustrated and left, unable to locate their new polling stations, and therefore did not vote.

“The commencement of polls was delayed in several polling units, affecting logistics management. Setup of voting materials was still ongoing as late as 9:00 AM for a process scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM, leaving voters waiting for officials,” Mbamalu said.

“Additionally, many voters were reassigned to new polling units without advance notice. Some only received messages about their new locations hours after voting had begun, causing frustration and prompting some to return home without casting their ballots. This underscores the importance of informing voters about polling unit reallocations and new codes well ahead of elections,” she added.

According to the media, INEC conducted the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 21.