By Sarah NEGEDU
Voting across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory was largely peaceful, with security agencies keeping order across polling units, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, observed on Saturday.
The Minister who had monitored the February 21st Area Council elections at some polling units in Karshi and Karu Chief’s Palace, commended the conduct of security personnel.
Wike who noted the calm atmosphere at polling units despite low voter turnout in parts of central area said, “The election is peaceful, which means security has done very well. In the past, we used to have incidents of violence in some polling units, but in this case, we have not recorded any such violence,” he said.
He advised residents to remain orderly and patient as the process moves to the collation stage, warning that tensions often arise when results are being compiled.
“Voting is expected to end by 2:30 p.m., after which collation will begin. The way people have been peaceful and orderly during the voting period, they should also remain peaceful and orderly during collation. That is usually the period when those who feel they may lose might want to cause problems. I urge everyone to remain calm and allow the process to be concluded peacefully,” Wike said.
The minister also noted that voter turnout, while low in the city, was more encouraging in some satellite towns. “The only issue we have observed is low voter turnout, particularly within the city, and that has always been the case. However, when you go to some of the satellite towns, the turnout is quite impressive,” he said.
Wike further highlighted the smooth use of technology during the exercise. He said the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and Result Viewing Portal (IReV) appeared to be functioning well, though vote counting had not yet commenced.
“First of all, they have not started counting votes. It is only after the votes are counted that issues of transmission will arise. But from what we are seeing now, everything appears to be moving smoothly in terms of the use of BVAS. We will continue to monitor the situation and comment based on what we observe.”
He also clarified misconceptions about movement restrictions during the election, stressing that the 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. restriction was not a curfew but a standard measure approved by the President.
“It is unfortunate. I never imposed a curfew. People should take time to read statements properly and understand what was said before reacting,” he said.
