BY FESTUS AHON

UGHELLI—THE by-election to fill the vacant Delta Central senatorial seat in the National Assembly, which became vacant following the sudden death of Senator Pius Ewherido, has been fixed for October 5, 2013.

Speaking during a meeting of stakeholders’ election forum for Delta Central by-election in Ughelli, weekend, Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dame Gesila Khan, said that the election would be held in 1,263 polling units, 85 registration areas and eight local government areas in the senatorial district.

Khan said: “The Senate has formally notified the commission of the vacancy in Delta Central senatorial district. Consequently, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC headquarters, has directed the Delta State office to commence the process of conducting a by- election into the senatorial district.

“The publication of personal particulars of candidates and last date for submission of names and addresses of party agents would be September 28, while publication of final list of candidates nominated for the election, will be September 30, 2013; last date of campaign, October 4, 2013 and possible run-off, October 9, 2013.

“ In accordance with the proposed time table for the election, the last date of primaries by political parties for the nomination of their candidates and submission of the list of candidates for the election has been fixed for September 25 and 26, 2013 respectively.

“INEC is not unmindful of the publics’ high expectations. I, therefore, assure the people of Delta Central senatorial district that the commission will leave no stone unturned to ensure a free, fair and credible election. A situation where any of the participants would appear to foment trouble and constitute a cog in the wheel of peace and progress will not augur well for the system.

“The issue of electoral violence will also cease to flourish or reduce to the barest minimum when the political parties, their supporters and politicians in general shun the urge to recruit thugs to unleash terror during the election.”

She appealed to political parties to engage in elaborate and extensive voter education campaign, adding that “the parties have a dominant role to play towards achieving the desired free, fair and credible electoral process.”

INEC condoles with Ewherido family
Condoling with the family of the late Senator Ewherido over their son’s death, Khan said: “Senator Ewherido was a quintessential legislator, who left no one in doubt of his abilities, capabilities and passion to deliver on the mandate from his people during his tenure in the Senate.”