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Introduction

This end of polls statement by CODEO is focused on the voting process, security of polls as at close of polls pending counting and declaration of results by polling officials of the Electoral Commission.

 

Biometric Verification

Generally, voting continued without any major incidents of biometric verification machines breaking down in most of the polling stations observed. The situation as reported earlier in the day (CODEO MIDDAY SITUATIONAL STATEMENT) where voters’ who could not be verified by the verification machines were turned away after a few attempts continued at some polling stations.

Also, observers reported that all election materials were present and adequate throughout the voting period at the polling stations observed. Not many people were left in queues as at 5pm at the polling stations observed.

 

Security of Polls

Voting continued peacefully at most of the polling stations observed throughout the day. There was however a major incident of gun shots in front of the NPP office and close to the Community Center polling station in Tongo, resulting in destruction to a Nissan Patrol vehicle.

The deployment of police/military personnel to the scene helped to restore sanity to the area. The incident however did not interrupt the voting process at nearby polling stations. There were reported incidents of reprisal attacks at Winkogo Primary B in the Winkogo Electoral Area, leading to destruction of vehicles.

CODEO Observers also reported that several dangerous weapons including guns and cutlasses were retrieved from some vehicles at a police checkpoint situated at the entrance of Tongo. Observers further reported of situations where political party youth were mobilized in vehicles patrolling the main streets of Tongo and surrounding communities, heightening tension in the constituency.

 

Conclusion

CODEO Observers will continue to observe the counting and declaration of results after close of polls and a final report will be issued thereafter. We appeal to political party leaders and their followers to remain calm as we await the final results from the Electoral Commission. CODEO also calls on the security agencies to remain vigilant so as to contain the already tensed security situation in the constituency.