Bayelsa Electoral Commission suspends LG poll process over court case

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The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission has suspended the electoral process for the conduct of the 2027 local government elections in the state.

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The commission also announced the suspension of all party primaries for the forthcoming council elections pending the determination of a suit instituted by the Zenith Labour Party and Accord Party against the commission.

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The suspension was contained in a public notice issued by BYSIEC on Saturday and signed by its Commissioner for Media and Publicity, Augustus Elliot, on behalf of the chairman.

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The commission said the decision followed the legal action filed by the two political parties challenging aspects of the electoral process.

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The notice stated that the electoral process leading to the 2027 local government elections had been temporarily suspended.

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BYSIEC consequently directed political parties to halt their primary elections pending the outcome of the suit.

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The commission said, “The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission hereby announces temporary suspension of the Electoral process leading to the conduct of the 2027 Local Government Elections.”

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It added, “Consequently, all Party Primaries are hereby suspended, pending the outcome of a suit filed by the Zenith Labour Party and Accord Party against the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission.”

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The electoral body urged political parties, other stakeholders and members of the public to take note of the development and comply with the directive.

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“All Stakeholders and the general public are therefore advised to take note and treat accordingly,” the statement said.

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The suspension comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 council elections across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.

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The latest development is expected to temporarily halt ongoing preparations by political parties for the selection of their candidates for the local government elections until the legal issues are resolved.

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The notice was signed by Elliot, “Commissioner, Media and Publicity, BYSIEC, for Chairman.”

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