Ramadan, limited candidates contest contribute to low voter turnout in Kano by- election – REC
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abdul Zango, has attributed the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s by-election across the state to the ongoing Ramadan fasting period and the nature of the poll, which he described as involving only a few candidates and political parties.
Zango, who spoke with journalists after touring several polling units, expressed satisfaction with the overall conduct of the election, noting that the process had been peaceful and orderly despite reports of low participation in many centres.
According to him, a combination of factors may have discouraged voters from coming out in large numbers.
“First of all, I think the timing, maybe Ramadan,” he explained. “Second, I think the general feeling that this is a very small election involving only two candidates and very few parties. Nine contestants, I think.”
He however hole that the voters may turn out in large numbers in the afternoon ,as the voting progressing
He acknowledged that many polling units recorded low turnout but stressed that the exercise itself had proceeded smoothly, particularly in terms of security arrangements.
“You’ve gone around and seen it for yourself. So far, so good,” Zango said. “As far as security is concerned, you can see for yourselves, no issue.
We really want to appreciate and commend citizens for behaving responsibly. No violence. No threat whatsoever, visible or even invisible. So we are very happy.”
The REC also addressed concerns over the absence of some major opposition parties from the election and allegations reportedly made against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We have not received any accusation or anything,” he said. “That they are not participating is entirely the responsibility of the parties. We don’t decide who participates.
Whoever conducts primary elections, submits and uploads their candidate in line with the guidelines contained in the Electoral Act, is eligible to contest.
That decision is for the parties, and I think it is the parties that will answer that question for you.”
Zango reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting credible, transparent and peaceful elections, assuring voters and other stakeholders that the commission would continue to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act in the discharge of its responsibilities.
Meanwhile,most of polling units visited were low turnout of voters, however there was heavy presence of security operatives, especially,the police , vigilante and well earned military personnel were seen at alert to ensure adequate security of live and property across the two local government areas where the by – election were ongoing as at the time of filling this report