16 Political Parties to Contest in Rivers Local Government Elections

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced that the local government elections in the state will be held on October 5, 2024. This announcement comes amidst a period of uncertainty and turmoil in the state’s local government administration.

The RSIEC has invited leaders of all registered political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organizations, the media, professional organizations, civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, community-based groups, and the electorate to a general stakeholders meeting on July 1, 2024. The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the timetable and guidelines for the upcoming 2024 Local Government Elections in the state.

The announcement of this stakeholders meeting marks a significant step in the preparations for the 2024 Local Government Elections in Rivers State. The RSIEC aims to ensure a transparent, fair, and inclusive electoral process by engaging with various stakeholders and providing them with the necessary information and guidelines.

This development comes amidst a lingering crisis in the state’s local government administration, which has been marred by a power struggle between Governor Siminialayi Fubara and lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule. In June, Governor Fubara took steps to address the crisis by swearing in 23 Caretaker Committee Chairmen for the Local Government Councils, following the expiration of the tenures of the former elected Council Chairmen on June 17, 2024.

The upcoming elections will provide an opportunity for citizens to elect new leaders who can bring about positive change and development to their communities. With the election date set, political parties are expected to begin mobilizing their supporters and candidates, while RSIEC will be responsible for ensuring a free and fair electoral process.

As the campaign season heats up, it remains to be seen how the crisis will unfold and what impact it will have on the outcome of the elections.