INEC releases timetable for Anambra governorship poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the conduct of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra state.

Festus Okoye, INEC’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the activities for the election will commence on June 10 with primary elections for political parties.

He added that political parties with direct primaries must submit the names of their candidates at least seven days prior to the primary elections, as stated in the commission’s regulations and guidelines.

“Based on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released by the Commission, the Anambra State Governorship election will take place on 6th November 2021. To this end, Political Parties that have indicated interest in nominating candidates for the election shall conduct their primaries for the nomination of candidates between 10th June and 1st July 2021,” the statement reads.

“The Commission, as part of its statutory oversight responsibilities, has written to all the political parties that indicated interest in conducting party primaries and sponsoring candidates for the election on their responsibilities and obligations.

“Political parties seeking to nominate candidates must hold direct or indirect primaries and the aspirant with the highest number of votes at the end of voting shall be declared the winner of the primaries and the aspirant’s name forwarded to the Commission as the candidate of the Party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Sec. 4.5(1) and (2) of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Political Party primaries requires political parties holding direct primaries to make the list of their members available for inspection by monitors from the Commission as well as their aspirants and party members.

“For parties that opt for indirect primaries, the list of delegates must be made available to the Commission as well as aspirants at least 7 days before the conduct of primaries.

“Similarly, Sec. 9(1) and (2) of the same Regulations and Guidelines require political parties to make available to the Commission the list of aspirants seeking nomination to contest for elective offices as well as the list of members of the election committee of the party conducting the primaries.”