The Anambra local government election is taking place across the state today, but the most unusual part of the ANSIEC election is not the number of candidates on the ballot. In 20 of the state’s 21 local government areas, voters are being asked a much simpler question: Do you accept the candidate?
The arrangement means candidates who are running unopposed cannot simply walk into office. They still need voters to endorse them through a “Yes” or “No” ballot.
How the Yes or No Ballot Works
ANSIEC said the system applies to chairmanship races where only one candidate is contesting. Instead of choosing between political parties, voters will choose either “Yes” or “No”.
A sole candidate needs more “Yes” votes than “No” votes and must meet the required two-thirds threshold to be declared the winner. If “No” votes prevail, the election becomes inconclusive and the political parties will have to return to the primary stage and produce candidates again.
This is the first time the system is being used in an Anambra local government election, making today’s poll an important test of how the process works in practice.
A One-Party Contest Still Has a Democratic Test
The unusual ballot is particularly significant because only two political parties, APGA and YPP, are participating in the election.
APGA has candidates contesting unopposed in 20 LGAs, while Anambra East has a contest between APGA and YPP. ANSIEC said it screened 22 chairmanship candidates and 346 councillorship candidates across the state.
That creates an interesting situation. A candidate may have no rival from another party, but voters can still effectively reject the candidate at the polling station. For the candidates, today’s election is therefore less about defeating an opponent and more about proving that they have enough public acceptance to govern.
Low Turnout Could Become the Biggest Issue
While voting has generally remained peaceful, early reports from parts of Awka North and Awka South indicate low voter turnout.
That could matter because the election is designed to give voters a direct say over whether sole candidates should take office. If many eligible voters stay away, a relatively small number of votes could determine whether candidates receive the required mandate.
The poll is taking place across all 21 local government areas and 326 wards, making participation an important test of grassroots democracy in Anambra.
