We will never allow vote-buying in Cross River State – Electoral commission boss

The Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, Associate Prof Mike Ushie, has said that the commission will curtail vote-buying during the local government council election fixed for May 24, 2023.

Ushie announced this at the commission’s office in Calabar on Monday while briefing representatives of political parties, stakeholders, and the media.

“The LGA election is going to be an improvement of what we did in the last election in May 2020. We will be proactive to curtail vote-buying and make sure that the right thing is done,” he said.

He said activities associated with the election must begin 360 days to the election by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.

“In accordance with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act as amended, which allow 360 days for the issuance of notice of election that marks the commencement, preparation, conduct, and conclusion of electoral activities, the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, hereby today, Monday, May 30, 2022 issue Notice of Election for the 2023 local government council election.

“Accordingly, all electoral activities commence today, culminating on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, as the date for the local government council election in the state,” he said.

He urged all political parties and other stakeholders to comply accordingly toward a successful free, fair and credible local government council election in the state.