ELECAM salutes hitch-free conduct of Regional Elections.

Speaking to the press shortly after the close of polls, Dr Essousse stated that the exercise was “peaceful, orderly, and professionally managed”. 

He noted that the polls were conducted across 58 Divisions, each constituting an electoral district for the election of regional councillors. 

A total of 25,252 voters were expected at 207 polling stations, comprising 9,677 municipal councillors voting at 90 polling stations and 15,575 traditional rulers voting at 117 polling stations. 

He said polling stations opened nationwide at exactly 8a.m. and closed at 6p.m., in strict conformity with electoral law.

Dr Essousse also confirmed that all required election materials and documents were supplied to polling centres in sufficient quantity and excellent quality, enabling a smooth voting process. 

He said field reports indicate that voters cast their ballots freely in an atmosphere of calm and discipline, with no major incidents or disruptions recorded throughout the territory.

“As soon as the polls closed at 6p.m., local polling commissions proceeded immediately to the counting of votes, in full respect of legal provisions,” he stated. 

Dr Essousse added that minutes from each polling station will be transmitted to the respective regional supervisory commissions, which are mandated to proclaim the results within 72 hours.

He extended appreciation to all actors involved in the process and praised the Electoral Board, responsible for overseeing all operations, for its professionalism and commitment to transparency. 

Dr Essousse equally lauded ELECAM staff across the country for working tirelessly with a high sense of discipline to ensure the smooth organisation of the election.

He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of political parties, the public administration, forces of law and order, civil society organisations and both national and international observers. 

Their collective engagement, he said, ensured that the vote remained peaceful, inclusive, and credible.

“We also thank the government for its constant support, particularly in providing the necessary resources for the flawless organization of this election,” Dr Essousse added. 

Worthy to note is that fact that the November 30 election is the second of its kind since the introduction of the Regional Councils in the country following the inaugural polls which held in December 2020. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3643 of Tuesday December 02, 2025