The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has officially released its timetable for the upcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections, scheduled for November 2, 2024. The announcement has sparked concerns from political parties over meeting the tight deadlines and other electoral preparations.
During a meeting in Umuahia, which brought together 19 political parties, security officials, State House of Assembly members, and observers, ABSIEC Chairman Prof. George N. Chima presented the electoral timetable. The key dates include:
- Notice of Election: Saturday, September 21, 2024
- Political Party Primaries: Wednesday, September 25 – Friday, October 4, 2024
- Submission of Candidates List: Saturday, October 5 – Monday, October 7, 2024
- Screening of Candidates by ABSIEC: Tuesday, October 8 – Thursday, October 10, 2024
- Appeals/Complaints Hearing: Friday, October 11 – Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Substitution and Screening of Substitutes: Monday, October 14 – Tuesday, October 15, 2024
- Final Publication of Candidates List: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
- Electioneering Campaigns: Friday, October 18 – Thursday, October 31, 2024
- Notice of Polls: Friday, October 18, 2024
- Local Government Election Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Prof. Chima emphasized the importance of a democratic process in local governance, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the elections are conducted credibly. “We all understand the importance of a democratic system of governance in local government, as it is where the greater number of the governed reside. Proper attention should be paid to ensuring a credible system of electing its operators,” Chima said.
He assured the public of the commission’s dedication to ensuring the elections are transparent and impartial. “Our assurance to you is that the elections for our various local government councils in 2024 will no longer be business as usual. The commission is highly determined to ensure the elections are free, fair, and credible,” Chima added.
However, political parties present at the meeting expressed concerns about several issues, including the late release of the timetable, the cost of nomination forms, and the exclusion of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) from the planning process. There were also questions regarding the credibility of election officers and the budget for the election.
Responding to these concerns, Chima stated that further details, including the cost of election forms, would be provided in due course. He also assured that all security measures would be in place to ensure a smooth electoral process, employing both “conventional and unconventional security apparatuses.”
The elections will see the election of council chairpersons and 184 councillors across Abia’s 17 local government areas.
