The Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) has given a positive assessment of the recently conducted bye-elections in Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II.
In a statement by the Convener of the group, Mr. Obinna Ebogidi, RPI monitored the polls through pre-election engagements, field observations, and post-election reviews. The exercises recorded notable improvements in several areas.
Mr. Ebogidi said that, despite the low voter turnout which remains a serious concern, the strong institutional responsiveness by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was commendable.
According to the statement, the group appreciated INEC for honouring its commitments made during pre-election meetings with the Resident Electoral Commissioner and his team.
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These included early deployment of materials and personnel, the use of INEC staff and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to handle polling units and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, as well as measures to prevent infiltration by politically exposed persons.
Mr. Ebogidi stated that Security personnel acted professionally, helping to maintain a peaceful and orderly atmosphere across the constituencies before, during, and after the elections.
The Rivers Peace Initiative also decried the widespread voter apathy, noting that while winners were declared in line with electoral law, the significant participation gap raises serious questions about public confidence and trust in the democratic process.
The statement added that the Ahoada East and Khana by-elections showed clear operational gains, but sustaining democracy requires building on these gains while urgently restoring citizens’ faith in the electoral system.
