Anambra commission insists on August 29 election despite law suit

The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to holding local government elections on August 29, despite a legal challenge from 56 serving councillors. The councillors are contesting the constitutionality of a state law that limits the tenure of elected local government officials to two years. They argue this provision conflicts with the 1999 Constitution's guarantee of a four-year tenure for democratically elected local government systems. The lawsuit names the state Attorney General, the Anambra State House of Assembly, and ANSIEC as defendants. ANSIEC Chairman Genevieve Osakwe stated in Awka that the commission is focused on ensuring election preparations remain on track. She emphasized that the mere filing of a lawsuit does not automatically stop an electoral process and that the commission has not received any directive to suspend the elections. "As the electoral umpire, we urge political parties in the state to continue preparing for the election," Osakwe said, adding that ANSIEC is focused on delivering a credible electoral process in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and state laws.

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The commission has not received any directive requiring it to suspend the electoral process scheduled for August 29.