Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated Bayelsa Central and West Senatorial Districts and Imo North Senatorial District bye-elections for 31 October.

Other bye-elections scheduled to hold same day include Nganzai State Constituency Borno; Bayo State Constituency Borno; Cross River North Senatorial District; Obudu State Constituency; Cross River State and Lagos East Senatorial District.

Others are Kosofe II State Constituency Lagos; Plateau South Senatorial District; Bakura State Constituency as well as Zamfara State and Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State.

A statement by National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, said: “The Commission met today 11th August 2020 and reviewed preparations for Edo and Ondo States Governorship elections, the conduct of Nasarawa Central State Constituency election held on Saturday 8th August as well as all outstanding bye-elections”.

It added: “Several vacancies have occurred in both Federal and State Legislative Houses as a result of resignation or death of members, affecting 12 constituencies across 8 States of the Federation.

“As a result of Covid-19 pandemic, the Commission decided earlier to suspend the conduct of all bye-elections until it is satisfied that the elections can be conducted in a safe and conducive environment.

“Since then, the Commission has developed its Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of Covid-19 Pandemic, revised its regulations and guidelines and engaged with health authorities and stakeholders on conducting elections in an environment that guarantees both credibility and public safety.

“The Commission has also successfully conducted bye-election to fill the vacancy in Nasarawa Central State Constituency and is going ahead with the conduct of governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States on the 19th September and 10th October respectively. Consequently, the Commission is now in a position to schedule the following bye-elections:

“Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State, Bayo State Constituency, Borno State, Cross River North Senatorial District, Obudu State Constituency, Cross River State, Imo North Senatorial District, Lagos East Senatorial District, Kosofe II State Constituency, Lagos State, Plateau South Senatorial District, Bakura State Constituency, Zamfara State, Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State

“The Commission has scheduled all the pending bye-elections for Saturday 31st October 2020.

The Nation