It is no longer news that the 2011 Nigeria Elections have been postponed by one week each, due to late arrival of result sheets and other irregularities. According to a press statement released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the new timetable is as follows:
- Saturday, April 9th 2011 – Senate and House of Representatives (National Assembly) elections.
- Saturday, April 16th 2011 – Presidential election
- Tuesday, April 26th 2011 – State House of Assembly and Governorship elections
If you were out and about during the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) elections on April 2nd then you would agree that this postponement is a blessing in disguise.
What I saw at the different Polling Units I visited not only reflected INEC’s lack of preparation but also how some Nigerians seemed passive, as if not ready for the elections. While in some centers, excited voters had to wait hours for INEC officials to arrive, at other centers, INEC officials had to wait for voters! I mean, in a PU where about 1,000 people registered to vote, only 120 voters showed up. The excuse people gave (at least those I asked on the street) was that they do not know who to vote for.
Hopefully, this one-week will enable Nigerian, those who have come of age and who registered to vote, to be better prepared for the 9th, 16th and 26th! It is not time to sit on our hands and look the other way for a messiah!
Here are some resources to help you be an active citizen willing and ready to perform his/her civic responsibility:
- To find a Polling Booth, Click here
- To Find your Senatorial District and Candidates, click here
- To read profiles of candidates, click here
Nigeria Elections
Revoda
Reclaim Naija
234Next Election Platform
Good luck with the Election Exercise! Remember, it is one man, one vote! Feel free to share your opinion via CP-Africa, Email: publisher@cp-africa.com
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