The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has announced a postponement of the local government elections in the state.
During a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday in Calabar, CROSIEC Chairman Dr. Ekong Boco made the announcement.
Initially, the elections for the 18 local government areas and 196 wards were set for October 26, 2024.
Boco explained that the decision was made to ensure a fair and credible electoral process, resulting in a one-week extension for the elections.
The local government council elections in the state are now scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2024, with campaign activities concluding on Friday, November 1, 2024.
Additionally, the commission revealed in the meeting that it had agreed to lower nomination fees following an appeal from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). The fee for Chairmanship positions has been reduced from N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) to N1,000,000 (One Million Naira), while the fee for Councillorship positions has decreased from N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) to N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).
In response, the IPAC chairman expressed appreciation for the commission’s actions, viewing them as a positive move towards achieving free, fair, and credible elections.
He emphasised that the commission’s willingness to listen to the public’s voice marks a significant step forward for democracy in the state, instilling confidence that all political parties will have an equal opportunity to contest and serve the people of Cross River.
Tribune
