The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) yesterday upbraided both the All progressive congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the inconclusive Bayelsa state governorship election.

In its preliminary findings on the poll made known by its chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi in Abuja, TMG disclosed that supporters of both parties acted contrary to the spirit of the Yenagoa peace accord.

The group remarked that it was unfortunate that political parties in Nigeria are yet to master the skills and expertise to contest elections in accordance with laid down rules and regulations.

Of the reports received from 181 of TMG’s 230 citizens observers, it cited cases of widespread allegations of politicians buying up the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC), early warning signs of violence including arms build-up in several areas including Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor as some of the noticeable wrongdoings in the preparation for the election.

Noting that noticeable lack of synergy between security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) largely contributed to the late distribution of election materials to the Registration Area Centres (RCAs) and subsequently to the polling units on election day, the group maintained that the process leading to the entire poll in seven of the eight councils of the state were characterised by serious irregularities.

It pointed at instances where proper accreditation were not followed in many polling units leading to situations whereby

INEC had to be forced to declare results in several polling units null and void.

According to the group, “TMG observers reported that in 42 percent of poling units observed, individuals were permitted to vote if the card reader could not read their PVCs. In 11 percent of the polling units observed, significant numbers of individuals -26 or more were permitted to vote although the card reader could not read their PVCs.

“In 19 percent of polling units observed, 26 or more individuals were accredited to vote while voting was ongoing. According to INEC’S approved guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the 2015 general elections, accreditation should be declared closed before voting commences.”

Source: Guardian