Bayelsa guber poll: Domestic observers laud INEC, Security for free, fair election

The Collation of Domestic Election Observer Groups, have described the just concluded Governorship election in Bayelsa state as free, fair and peaceful.

The leader and coordinator of the Group, Mr. Samuel Onoja made the remark at a Post selection press conference held in Yenagoa on Saturday.

He said the election in Bayelsa state was not only free and fair, but peaceful while eligible voters were allowed to exercise their franchise.

“We want to use this opportunity to tell you that the election in Bayelsa was peaceful, free and without intimidation because everybody was calm on the day of the election,“ Onoja said.

He said that there was adequate security at all the polling units, adding that there was no reports of violence or ballot box snatching during the election.

“The security personnel did a great job during the election because there was no violence or ballot box snatching. Bayelsa is a model despite the huge turnout".

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff for their dedication and commitment to duty during the exercise.

Onoja also noted that there were adequate election materials, only that voting was delayed due to late arrival of election materials and officials in some areas.

“In spite of the challenges there was very high voter inclusion as no voter was disenfranchised. Let me say here that, this is the most freest and fairest election that has ever been conducted in Bayelsa since its creation.

“The observation made by our group was that 67 per cent of the polling units in Bayelsa began accreditation of voters between between 8:30am and 9:00am,” he said.