The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIEC, has expressed it readiness to conduct the Local Government elections on May 24, 2023.
The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mike Ushie made the announcement during a meeting with representatives of political parties and civil society organisations in Calabar, the capital of State, South-south Nigeria.
Ushie said that the decision for the one-year notice was to enable interested political parties to begin the process at the various levels in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral law.
He further stated, “This notice is in compliance with the provisions of Section 28, subsection 1 of the 2022 Electoral Act as amended, which allows 360 days for the issuance of notice of election.
“All electoral activities commenced today culminating on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, as the date for the local government council election in the state,”
Credible election
Ushie urged stakeholders including the political party to comply, to have a free, fair and credible local government council election in Cross River.
“We are going to roll out the timetable, which we expect every stakeholder to comply with. The timetable is expected to guide political parties and aspirants towards the set date next year.
“The Commission is open to every stakeholder and since the local government election will be held after the general election, we will adopt the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS for the exercise,” the Commission boss explained.
Ushie said that the Electoral commission received commendation for the successful conduct of the last Council election.
He added that the Commission was determined to ensure that the next poll achieves the same level of success and commendation.
Ushie is also an Associate Professor of Political Science in the University of Calabar.
Olusola Akintonde
