Anxiety is the word as the people of Anambra State await the result of the local government election conducted across the state yesterday.

Governor Peter Obi described the election as peaceful and well organised but his conclusion seems to have been based on initial reports as complaints from both politicians and voters have trailed the exercise.

Obi’s assessment of the poll was made while speaking with newsmen after he and his wife Margaret voted at Umudimakasi polling unit, Amatutu Ward Two, Agulu. The governor, on arrival with his wife, queued behind other voters and they cast their votes by 1:45pm. He said reports from across the state confirmed that the exercise was going on very well and people voted freely.

However, despite the assurances from the commissioner in-charge of Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), Sylvester Okonkwo, the election did not commence simultaneously in all the 21 local government areas of the state by eight o’clock in the morning. On the other hand, there was no sign of any election in several local government areas several hours after the scheduled time.

Complaints over late distribution of materials from local government headquarters to the various wards and absence of result sheets were rife. The election had to be extended to about 5PM due to late arrival of materials and late accreditation of voters.

Accreditation of voters and voting started in most polling units around 12pm with low turnout of voters in most of the polling units. Voting finally ended yesterday evening. The collation of results is in progress at ANSIEC headquarters in Awka, the state capital.

•Photo shows Governor Obi and wife (2nd & 3rd right) queuing to vote in LG poll . . . yesterday. Photo by Mazi Odera.