Mary Onyia
As the Anambra elections take place amid heavy presence of soldiers and other security agencies, the turn-out has been generally low. Very few people came out to vote given the general unease and threats of violence that preceded the election proper.
With the presence of over 30,000 policemen, soldiers and other security operatives roaming the state to avert any perceived violence and ensure a hitch-free election, most residents are scared for fear of possible election induced violence and as such prior to Saturday, the day of the election have begun relocating to other nearby states until after the election. Thus most streets in the major towns; Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha as well as most markets and shopping malls are deserted.
Most of those moving out of the state plan coming back after the election.
Onitsha and Nnewi were in a total lockdown on Friday evening. Security operatives occupied the major roads and streets, searching vehicles, especially, private ones..
Military and police checkpoints had sprung up across the state, especially in major cities like the capital, Awka; Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia, with no fewer than 30 military and police trucks carrying out patrols to build voters’ confidence.
Analyst believe that the large number of security agents might dissuade prospective voters from turning out en masse to vote.
The vice president of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Ogene-Okeke, had advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to carry out their duties professionally for the sake of peace and order.