The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) said it has made adequate preparations for the smooth conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the state.

The Chairman of the commission, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, stated this while addressing a news conference on Thursday in Benin City.

The election is scheduled for July 12.

Mr Aifuobhokhan said the commission had concluded necessary arrangements to ensure a free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful and inclusive poll.

He disclosed that 10,000 ad hoc staff had been recruited and trained for the exercise, noting that they possess the competence and professionalism required for the successful conduct of the election.

He added that all aspects of the electoral process were designed to comply with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, relevant electoral laws and internationally accepted democratic principles.

The EDSIEC chairman stated that sensitive and non-sensitive materials had been produced, inspected, sorted and packaged for distribution.

He stated, “Election materials have been allocated to all local government offices and arranged according to wards and polling units for seamless deployment.

“Distribution schedules have been carefully developed to ensure timely delivery of materials to polling units before the commencement of accreditation and voting.”

Mr Aifuobhokhan also said special arrangements had been made to reach riverine and hard-to-access communities to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised.

He said voting would take place between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., while results would be transmitted manually.

“Our logistics are ready, transportation arrangements are complete, personnel have been adequately trained, and security coordination has been concluded. Communication systems are also operational,” he said.

Mr Aifuobhokhan assured residents that the commission was fully prepared to conduct an election that would reflect the people’s will.

(NAN)