The Local Government election in Enugu State on Saturday was marred by low turnout of voters and late arrival of voting materials at various polling units and wards.

In Enugu South Local Government Area, it was observed that there was low turnout in most wards, particularly in Igbariam primary school ward 7 and the Union Boys Secondary School ward 8 respectively.

There was also the presence of security agents at some wards even as people were going about their normal duties.

At Igbariam primary school and Union Boys Secondary School, voting materials had not arrived as of 10am.

A Peoples Democratic Party agent at Ward 8 Unit 7, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the low turnout to the experience of the 2023 general elections.

“There is low turnout of voters as you can see, people are not coming out to vote because the last general election discouraged everyone from coming out to cast their votes,” he said.

Also speaking at lgbariam Primary School Ward 7 Unit 2, one of the electorates, Chika Eze, said that in spite of security presence at the ward, only a small number of people turned out to cast their votes.

She stated, “With the presence of security agents around the voting centre, only few people came to cast their votes.”

It was a similar situation in Awgu, Transekulu, Obiagu and Independence Layout as voting materials had yet to arrive while the electorate were seen trickling in.

Meanwhile, the roads are almost empty as there were limited vehicular movements while some shops were open for businesses.

It was observed that businesses activities were slow as few business owners were with their goods at various wards with low patronage. 

(NAN)