By-election: Ramadan, public perception behind low turnout – Kano REC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has attributed the low voter turnout recorded during Saturday’s by-election in Kano State to the Ramadan fasting period and public perception that the contest
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has attributed the low voter turnout recorded during Saturday’s by-election in Kano State to the Ramadan fasting period and public perception that the contest involved few candidates.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, disclosed this while speaking with journalists during an on-the-spot assessment of the poll in Kano Municipal.
Zango described the election as peaceful and free of violence, commending residents for their orderly conduct.
“As far as security is concerned, you can see for yourselves — no issue. It’s very unlike Kano. We appreciate and commend citizens for behaving responsibly. There was no violence or threat whatsoever,” he said.
He noted that multiple factors contributed to the low turnout, including the timing of the poll during Ramadan and the perception that the election was limited in scope.
“First of all, the timing — maybe Ramadan. Second, the general feeling is that this is a very small election involving only two major candidates and very few parties,” he explained.
Responding to questions about the absence of some opposition parties and allegations against the commission, Zango said INEC had not received any formal complaints.
“We have not received any accusations. Participation is entirely the responsibility of political parties. Whoever conducts primaries, submits a candidate, and meets the requirements of the Electoral Act qualifies to contest,” he said.
He added that decisions by parties not to participate should be addressed by the parties themselves.
