Bauchi State Prepares for Local Government Elections

The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) is finalizing preparations for local government elections scheduled for August 17. Sensitive electoral materials have been distributed for deployment across the state's 20 local government areas, with the state government declaring Monday a work-free day.

Hajiya Jummai Salamatu Abubakar, the chairperson of BASIEC, announced that 15 political parties have completed arrangements to participate in the elections. Voting will commence at 8 am and close at 3 pm, with Abubakar urging eligible residents to turn out and exercise their franchise.

Chairmanship elections will occur in 19 of the 20 local government areas, while councillorship elections will be held in all 20 councils. Shira Local Government Area will not have a chairmanship contest as the position was filled through an earlier by-election.

The distribution of materials was conducted under tight security and witnessed by representatives of the participating political parties, who expressed confidence in the electoral process.