The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has increased Polling Units (PUs) in Anambra state from 4608 to 5720.
Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra disclosed this during Stakeholders Forum on Expansion of Voter Access to Polling Units on Monday in Awka.
Orji said the expansion became imperative as the commission last expanded it’s PUs more than two decades ago.
“From INEC records, the existing Polling Units were created 25 years ago and some of them today are in locations where they are no longer promote healthy electoral activities.
“Some of the polling units are located in front of shrines, some in private buildings and others in churches”, he said.
Orji who said that INEC national headquarters began the process about two weeks ago, hinted that already additional 1112 new polling units have been added to the existing 4608 polling units in the state.
He also announced that the commission would commence continuation of voters registration exercise on June 28.
The INEC official said the expansion was targeted at enhancing the participation of the electoral during elections, especially with the emergency of novel Coronavirus pandemic.
Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the Anambra State Government who spoke on behalf of Gov. Willie Obiano commended INEC for the forum and the expansion policy.
He said that the objective of the commission on the expansion would surely improve on the nation’s electoral system.
Mr Timothy Ifedioranma, representing Njikoka two Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly said the delineation of polling units would further enhance people’s access to election centres.
He noted that congestion of electoral in a polling units before now had promoted violence during conduct of past elections.
The forum was attended by representatives of various political parties, security agencies, civil society representatives and the media among others.
