Cross River State electoral Commission issues notice for LG polls
By Our Admin
The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), has made formal issuance of notice for the next local government council elections in the state.
Making the announcement at stakeholders meeting with political parties in the commission‘s premises, the chairman of CROSIEC, professor Mike Ushie said “in compliance with the provision of section 28(1) of the 2022 electoral Act, (as amended), which allow for 360 days for the issuance of notice for the commencement conduct and conclusion of electoral activities, notice is hereby issued for the next local government council elections in the State holding on May 24th 2023.
The Commission’s Chairman defended his recent reappointment and the subsequent swearing in along with other members by the State Governor who was represented by his deputy.
He responded to those questioning the legality of the swearing in on the argument that the statutory ratification of the appointment was never done by the state assembly.
His words, “all I can say is that the commission members appeared before the relevant committee of the state assembly for screening and all members want through due screening and decision was taken, that is all I can say.”
Also when asked of his expectations as he walks towards the council polls, he said the next polls was “going to be an improvement of what we did, in the last election; we did a good and commendable job, we will do our best”.
Asked if he would assure stakeholders of a free and fair polls, devoid of vote buying and it likes, the CROSIEC boss said, “if I stand here and tell you that there will be no vote buying, I will be lying, but we will be proactive to curtail it and make sure that the right thing is done. I don’t have the capacity to sit here and tell you that they will be no vote buying,” he added.
He maintained that full time table with detailed activities and timelines for the polls will soon be made public but they had to comply with the electoral act by issuing a formal notice, 360days to the election.