Election Security Brief 024, 16-10-23 - BAYELSA STATE: Election Security Threat Assessment

There have been several developments ahead of the 11th November 2023 governorship elections in Bayelsa state that are shaping the outlook of the elections and increasing the tension in the state as the election date draws near. [...] Some of the developments with the potential to impact the election are highlighted below: INEC Preparation The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the date for the conduct of the Bayelsa 2023 governorship election on 14 November 2022, which is a year to the conduct of the election as required by the Electoral Act 2022. [...] The Peoples Democratic Party holds the power of the incumbent at the state level, while the main challenger, the All- Progressives Congress,9 holds the incumbent power at the federal level. [...] The efforts of the police led by IGP Kayode Egbetokun, along with the support of other security outfits in the state and the region, would likely be enough to forestall the breakdown of law and order during the election. [...] Conclusion Ensuring the security of the Bayelsa Governorship Election is paramount to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and upholding democratic values.