The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Tuesday, March 21, for the conduct of the suspended House of Assembly elections in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue.

The commission announced this Monday in a statement by its national commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in Abuja.

Mr Okoye said the decision was taken after due consultation with stakeholders in the local government.

“After further consultation with stakeholders, our Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue, Prof. Sam Egwu, has advised that the state office is ready to proceed with the rescheduled elections.

“Accordingly, the commission approved that the elections shall hold on March 21,” Mr Okoye said.

He recalled that the governorship and assembly elections in the local government were suspended due to a mix-up of some sensitive materials for the two constituencies in Kwande East and Kwande West.

“For this reason, voters and stakeholders agreed that the elections should be rescheduled.

“Consequently, the commission issued a statement that a new date will be announced for the elections.”

He, however, appealed to voters in the local government to troop out en masse and vote for the candidate of their choice.

“Similarly, we call on parties and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully,” Mr Okoye said.

(NAN)