BREAKING: Fight Breaks Out in Bayelsa Community as INEC Officials Scamper for Safety, Video Emerges
An emerging report has confirmed the eruption of violence in the Agudama-Ekpetiama community of Bayelsa state.
It was gathered that the incident transpired on Saturday, November 11, when officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were setting up their tent to commence the election.
Source: UGC
However, when a fight broke out between youths in the community, the INEC officials retreated to their canoes.
This recent development further cast doubts on the capability of INEC to conduct a sound and credible election that it promised in the build-up to the election.
Recall that the last general election held on Saturday, February 25, was greeted with several reports of violence, voter inducement, killings and other violations of electoral guidelines as stipulated in the Electoral Act of 2022.
Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the off-cycle polls in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states, political pundits and enthusiasts have given their reservations about INEC's preparedness and credibility regarding what transpired in the general elections.
Off-cycle polls: Election observer group predicts violence, voter inducement, others
Similarly, the foremost election observation group, YIAGA Africa, released its pre-election report on Friday, November 10.
The report forecasted that the off-cycle polls would be greeted with violence, voter-inducement, low voter turnout and other electoral shortcomings.
The report reads:
"Yiaga Africa projects low voter turnout in the respective states owing to the spate of pre-election violence, a deep sense of citizens' distrust, apparent fear of intimidation, voter fatigue and loss of faith in elections as a means to achieving democratic leadership."
"Yiaga Africa received reports of voter inducement through the distribution of gift items and wire (money) transfers by the political actors.
"Specifically, Yiaga Africa received reports of money and food items distribution by party supporters Ezinihitte and Onuimo LGAs in Imo State."
Source: Legit.ng
