The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) said only voters with valid voter card would vote in the forthcoming council polls in the state.
Chairman of the commission, Chief Josy Eze made said this at a news conference in Abakaliki on Tuesday to update the public on preparation for a successful conduct of the elections.
He said that voters with permanent voter card or those with genuine proof of loss of the document and whose names were found in the voter’s register would vote in the election.
Eze urged the electorate not to sell their voter cards to politicians or give them out to anyone, insisting that only the voter card qualified an eligible adult to vote.
“The election is fast approaching and we want to use this medium to remind the electorate that the only weapon at their disposal is their voter card which they must treasure so highly.
“Please do not sell your cards to overzealous politicians or give them out to anybody because the card is the only right and qualification you have to vote in credible representatives.
“Nobody without the voter’s card will be allowed to cast his or her ballot except those with proven case of loss of the document and whose names are found in the voters register,” he said.
He said that the April 22 remained sacrosanct for the election, adding that adequate preparations were being made to ensure a hitch-free and credible exercise.
Eze said that the commission had carried out adequate enlightenment in all local government areas in the state to mobilize the people for the elections.
“Once again, let me inform you that with less than two months for the election, we have put in place adequate measures and strategies to ensure smooth and successful conduct of the polls.
“All logistical arrangements have been made and soon, the training of ad hoc electoral officials will begin at the headquarters of the 13 local councils in the state.
“We are set for the election and we are following the electoral time-table religiously and the commission is appealing for cooperation with politicians, participating political parties, candidates and key players,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that posters of party candidates for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the election have adorned strategic locations in Abakaliki and other communities in the state. (NAN)
ODO/OPI/OPI