Voting in the ongoing Bayelsa governorship election commenced early across polling units in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA with Governor Douye Diri casting his vote before 9:00 a.m.

Mr Diri speaking after voting at his Kalamaowei Ward 6 polling unit, said the process was smooth and seamless.

He applauded the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) for the improvement in the electoral process.

Mr Diri said, “I think this is an improvement to all elections I have participated in. If it continues like this, I want to believe that INEC has improved, not only its processes, but also the training of manpower that handles the processes.

“I am very satisfied with the process and I do believe it will be like this across the state; BVAS should be used in all the places the election is holding.

“But we have concerns about Nembe-Basambri where our members were prevented from entering their community.

“And we received reports of the abduction of an INEC official and a boat mishap incident and efforts by INEC to overcome the incidents.”

Mr Diri is seeking reelection on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. He is facing stiff opposition from a former governor and ex-petroleum minister, Timipre Sylva of the APC.

(NAN)