From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
Some traders in Swali market have expressed displeasure over the electoral processes particularly during election day in Bayelsa State and the entire country.
The women who spoke to newsmen when the members of Eunice Nnachi women Advocacy Foundation ENWAF went for permanent voters card, PVC, sensitization campaign in some parts of Swali market, said they were disappointed with the electoral process vowing not to vote during the election.
“We would not come out to vote, all the other times we voted, our votes do not count, they just give leadership to who suits them or who is most wealthy”
The women also alleged that political parties are only after the success of their candidates rather than the person who would deliver good governance to the people.
However, the Resident Electoral Officer REC in Bayelsa State, Mr Obo Effanga has given assurance that INEC has improved in the conduct of elections hence voters should come out adding that votes would count as elections would be won or lost based on votes in the polling units.
Meanwhile, In a bid to encourage women and underrepresented youths in the forthcoming November 11, off cycle governorship election in Bayelsa, the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, ENWAF has called on traders in Swali to collect their Permanent Voters Card, PVC’S before the expiration date October 10., 2023.
The Founder and CEO, of ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi who led other members to the Ultramodern market, to sensitize them on the importance of having their PVC’S and coming out to vote on election day.
Lady Nnachi and members of ENWAF took turns to emphasize the need for Bayelsans to shun voter apathy and electoral violence noting that votes would count in the election.
” Your votes would count in the election, you should not be found sleeping in your houses on election day, you should all come out and vote”
” Election is not a time for violence, we should not fight during the election, let us all go and exercise our right using our PVC’S to vote the person of our choice”
Stressing further she said, ” voter education is crucial for empowering voters, increasing voter turnout, promoting political participation, ensuring fairness and transparency, and improving civic literacy.
“It helps voters understand the differences among the contestants, the issues at stake, and the significance of the election
“It helps citizens understand their political system, their rights, and the mechanics of the voting process.”
She therefore urged the traders to ensure the collect their PVC’s, because with it there will go out to vote, and it would bring good leadership, that would cater for the overall interest of all persons in the state.
