In response to a recent Supreme Court ruling requiring all states to conduct Local Government Council elections by October 2024, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSAIC) has officially rescheduled the state’s local government elections.
The new election date is set for October 26, 2024. This change aims to comply with the highest court’s directive and ensure that the electoral process is conducted within the specified timeframe.
KANSAIC Chairman Professor Sani Lawan Malumfashi announced the updated election schedule during a press briefing held in his office on Friday. Professor Malumfashi provided details on the revised timeline for various aspects of the election process. He explained that the Commission has also adjusted several key deadlines to streamline the preparation and execution of the elections.
One of the notable changes is the new date for the release of election guidelines and notifications. Originally scheduled for August 15, 2024, these documents will now be made available on August 31, 2024. This adjustment is intended to give all stakeholders, including political parties and candidates, adequate time to prepare for the upcoming elections.
In terms of party primaries and the submission of candidates’ names, these activities will now take place from September 3, 2024, to September 14, 2024. This period allows political parties to conduct their internal elections and finalize their candidate lists before the official submission deadline.
The Commission has also set new dates for the sale and submission of election forms.
The sale of forms is scheduled from September 15, 2024, to September 26, 2024. During this period, interested candidates can purchase the necessary forms to participate in the elections. The submission of completed forms will then be accepted from September 27, 2024, to October 8, 2024. This timeframe ensures that all candidates have the opportunity to complete their applications and meet the required criteria.
Following the submission period, KANSAIC will begin verifying candidates and processing submissions related to political party agents from October 9, 2024, to October 18, 2024. During this phase, the Commission will also release the names of qualified candidates and address any changes or replacements.
The publication of the final list of eligible candidates and official election notices will occur from October 20, 2024, to October 26, 2024. This will ensure that the public is well-informed about the candidates and the details of the elections. Election Day is set for October 26, 2024, with the declaration of results and any potential run-off elections scheduled between October 26, 2024, and November 9, 2024.
Professor Malumfashi emphasized that these changes are aimed at ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process, in line with the Supreme Court’s directive. The Commission is committed to providing all necessary support to candidates, political parties, and voters to facilitate a successful election.
