Some residents in Enugu State have blamed lack of awareness and previous experiences for the voter apathy witnessed at the Enugu State local government election held on Saturday.

The election recorded low voter turnout and late arrival of materials at several polling units across the state.

Many eligible voters appeared reluctant to come out to vote, while in some polling units, a handful of voters and security agents waited for materials.

The election, conducted by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), took place in the 17 local government areas of the state.

In some polling units visited in Trans-Ekulu and some parts of New Haven areas, only a few voters were seen casting their ballots.

Also, in Achara Layout and Awkunanaw areas of Enugu metropolis, several polling units witnessed late arrival of materials.

At the Igbariam Primary School polling unit, security personnel and a few voters were observed waiting for materials, while youths in the area used the opportunity to play football.

The low turnout came despite campaigns by political parties and appeals from ENSIEC and the state government to eligible voters to participate in the exercise.

Some voters who spoke to journalists attributed the low turnout to declining interest in local government elections in the state.

Raphael Nnamani said that he deliberately did not want to vote because his vote would not count.

“Everybody knows the situation; whether you vote or not, the results have been written; so, why should I waste my time,” he said.

In the same vein, Margaret Ozioko said she was not aware of any election, adding that she had since forgotten anything about election in Nigeria.

“I don’t have anything to do with election in Nigeria because after voting the vote will not count,” she said.

Peter Eze, a civil servant, cited inadequate awareness, previous election experiences and concerns about the impact of local government elections on the people’s daily lives.

“Of what essence is the election when we know that the ruling party will win everything; for me, it is completely a waste of time and energy,” Mr Eze said.

A resident, Fabian Ugwu, described the election as “affirmation of selected candidates.”

The voters, however, urged political leaders and electoral authorities to do more to encourage citizens to participate in future local government elections.

The results of the election are expected to be announced later today as collation continues across the 260 electoral wards. 

(NAN)