NOV 6 GUBER POLL: MALFUNCTIONING OF BVAS AFFECTS VOTING PROCESS IN PARTS OF ANAMBRA SOUTH SENATORIAL ZONE
REPORTERS: PAMELA IGWE, NDU NWANNAH & NKIRU EGWUI
Collation of results has commenced in the Anambra Gubernatorial polls, following the end of voting in the election.
The Anambra State Governorship Election was generally peaceful in most of the polling units monitored by Radio Nigeria in Anambra South Senatorial District.
While election personnel and materials arrived early in some polling units, others received theirs very late.
There was heavy deployment of security personnel on the roads and other strategic locations.
At Central School, Nanka Ward One, the materials and officials had not arrived by 9.25am.
There was no presence of security personnel and election observers in most of the polling units visited.
An 80 year old woman, Mrs. Christiana Eze, said she would wait to vote before going home.
A Domestic Observer for People Living with Disabilities, Miss Chioma Abazulu, who spoke at Okagbiligba Hall, Nanka, said she was hopeful that the election would be conducted well.
The Member Representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, expressed happiness that INEC persisted in holding the election despite initial threats.
Voting was going on at Health Centre Unit, Ekwulobia when Radio Nigeria visited.
The Polling Officer, Mrs. Ngozi Ozoemena noted that the Bimodal Verification Authentication System (BVAS) worked slowly.
At Community Primary School, Amesi with four polling units, a lecturer, Professor Linus Umenweke, noted that voting was progressing, though the BVAS was slow.
The PDP Candidate, Mr. Val Ozigbo, who spoke after casting his vote, bemoaned the slow pace of authentication by the BVAS.
Mr. Ozigbo called for the extension of voting times, alleging that reports indicated late and non arrival of materials in parts of Ihiala, Anambra West, Ayamelum and other areas.
The APC Candidate, Senator Andy Uba voted at the Saint Peter’s Primary School, Okwute Polling Unit, without hitches.
