INEC To Conclude Suspended Elections In Rivers, Other States Before July 31

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
has announced it would conclude the suspended elections
in Rivers, Imo, Kogi and Kano states not later than July,
31, 2016.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in
Abuja by Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, the INEC Director, Voter
Education and Publicity.

“INEC hereby issues this statement drawing a road-map
to the resolution of the crises and violence which led to
the postponement of the elections in the affected areas.
The Commission has received several submissions from
political parties and interest groups, and has had
preliminary consultations with security agencies on the
way forward.

“Having considered all these, and after its own
preliminary investigations, the Commission has identified
the need for more structured stakeholders’ engagement
by it and the security agencies, especially with key
players in the affected states.

“The commission also identified the need for the active
involvement of organisations and groups with expertise
in peace building and conflict management and
resolution.

“The commission also hopes that conditions will be
conducive enough for the conduct of the elections, not
later than the end of July, 2016.’’