The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the timetable and schedule for upcoming bye-elections and court-ordered re-runs in the country in line with Section 76, 116 and 178 of the 1999 Constitution.
The Commission noted that this essential move necessitated by the resignation or death of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.
A statement signed by the national commissioner and chairman
Information Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the Commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for conducting bye-elections resulting from the resignation or demise of Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.
INEC said these vacancies were declared by the Presiding Officers i.e. the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.
The Commission said the vacancies occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine States of the Federation.
Furthermore, it said the Commission is conducting re-run elections stemming from the 2023 General Election, as directed by various Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.
The statement reads in part: “Currently, 35 Constituencies are affected by these Court-ordered elections. While three cover entire constituencies, others involve only a few Polling Units.
“Both categories of elections are scheduled to take place simultaneously in all affected constituencies on Saturday 3rd February 2024.
“The timetable for the elections, along with detailed delimitation data (i.e. registration areas, polling unit names, the number of registered voters and PVCs collected), has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms as a guide to political parties and candidates, and for public information.”
The Commission, however, urged parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the specified timelines for the seamless conduct of these elections
