Voter turnout has been disappointingly low in several areas of Rivers State as the local government elections continue across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Despite the ongoing election, many polling units have seen few voters show up to cast their ballots.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had assured that all election materials would be distributed and that the polls would be fair and transparent.
A movement restriction was also imposed, running from 6 am to 6 pm in a bid to ensure a smooth electoral process.
However, reports from various locations indicate that while voting began early in some areas, many polling units were sparsely populated.
At several polling stations, including in the Emohua Local Government Area, voting was delayed due to the late arrival of election materials.
In Ward 3, Unit 9, for example, voters were seen standing in small groups, anxiously waiting for the election materials to arrive, while RSIEC officials scrambled to set up the necessary arrangements.
Similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of the state, including Tai and Akuku Toru LGAs, where only a handful of voters had cast their votes by mid-morning.
As of 9:30 am, some polling units, including those in Emohua and Botem Ward, were still awaiting materials.
In contrast, other areas, such as Abonnema in the Akuku Toru LGA, saw a steady stream of voters, though still far below expectations.
Observers have pointed to various factors contributing to the apathy.
Some residents claimed that previous local elections had little impact on their daily lives.
Others expressed frustration with the prolonged delays in receiving election materials, while some noted that the political climate in the state had led to a general feeling of disillusionment.
Additionally, youth engagement in the election process seemed to be at an all-time low, with many youths either staying away from the polls entirely or engaging in alternative activities like playing football in the streets of Port Harcourt and other localities.
Security around the polling stations has been tight. This move was aimed at preventing any disruptions to the electoral process, but it has done little to ease the anxiety among voters, many of whom were already disenchanted with the system.
Rivers State Electoral Commission Chairman, Michael Odey, assured the public that all efforts were being made to ensure the election proceeds smoothly.
DAILY GAZETTE will continue to monitor the situation.
