The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC) has announced that on Thursday, January 7, 2021, the NEC will conduct election in Gbarpolu County, Electoral District #3, at the Nomodatanau Town Hall, Precinct Code #45039, comprising four polling places with 2,021 registered voters.
According to a NEC press statement, dated December 31, 2020, This decision follows a series of consultations with stakeholders and is based on assurances given by authorities of the Ministries of Justice/LNP and Internal Affairs that the Nomodatanu precinct area and its surroundings are now safe enough for citizens to exercise their franchise unhindered.
“As you are aware, the NEC did not complete the election in Nomodatanou on December 8, 2020 as planned due to circumstances beyond the Commission’s control. After a technical review of the situation, the NEC initially rescheduled the election for December 15, 2020 but due to the continued insecurity in the area, which led to the destruction of election materials and the manhandling of the Commission’s staff and other citizens, the election could not proceed.
“The NEC has since condemned the violent situation and has taken a number of actions including a high-level consultation with the Ministries of Justice/LNP and Internal Affairs. Both entities have assured NEC that the situation which led to the violence in Nomodatonau will not be repeated. We also held consultation with the political parties through the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC) on the matter. Additionally, the Commission held two meetings with senatorial candidates in Gbarpolu on December 18 and 30, 2020. Consultations were also held with civil society and election observation groups. Also, a high-level technical team sent to the area by the NEC has since returned with its findings that there is sufficient calm to conduct the election in the area.
“The Commission is in readiness to conduct the election after it has procured new election materials, including ballots. The NEC has constituted a new team of electoral technicians who will conduct the election and referendum on January 7, 2021. The Commission informs the public that the deployment of civic and voter educators will take place prior to the January 7, election date.
“The NEC calls on all candidates to participate in the election and referendum. The NEC call on the 2,021 registered voters Special Senatorial Election and Constitutional Referendum to turn out to vote on January 7, 2021. The Commission calls on accredited national and international groups to observe the process.
“Finally, the NEC wishes to thank all stakeholders for their patience and level of support,” the NEC statement noted.