The local government elections in Anambra State faced significant setbacks on Saturday due to the late arrival of officials from the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) at polling units statewide.
Although ANSIEC had previously announced that voting would begin at 8 am and conclude by 4 pm, many polling units remained unattended as late as 8:50 am.
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In Awka, a reporter on the ground found no indication that elections were underway at several polling locations.
For instance, at Ukwu Orji Government House, while police officers were on-site, ANSIEC ad-hoc staff had yet to arrive by 9 am.
Polling units impacted by this delay included Aroma Ward Three, Odoagba Ward One, and Unizik Junction Polling Unit.
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In Iyiowa/Odekpe, located in Ogbaru Local Government Area, there were no signs of ANSIEC personnel, security forces, or electoral materials by 9 am, and only a single APGA party agent was present.
The combination of the late start and a noticeable lack of voter engagement, with many residents participating in monthly sanitation activities or attending to their businesses, cast a pall over the elections.
