INEC suspends controversial 30,000 polling units

The Independent National Electoral Commission has suspended the creation of its controversial 30,000 polling units until after the 2015 general elections.

The commission, however, said it would continue with the use of voting points, where necessary, to mitigate population pressure in overcrowded polling units during the forthcoming elections and relocate polling units from unsuitable locations.


INEC had, in August, said it would create additional 30,000 polling units during the 2015 general elections.

Various groups criticised the plan, saying it was against the interest of the South-East.

But a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Secretary to INEC, Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu, said the commission would “as much as possible ensure that polling units are located in enclosures such as classrooms, rather than in open spaces.”

it said, “The commission met today (Tuesday) and reviewed reports sent in from States by Resident Electoral Commissioners on reconfiguration of the polling unit structure and creation of additional polling units.

“Taking everything into consideration – especially the controversy over creation of additional polling units that has been overheating the polity, and the apparent inadequacy of time for the exercise – the commission took a decision to suspend the exercise until after the 2015 general elections.”