Fifty observer groups have secured approval of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to observe the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections scheduled for November 21 and December 5 respectively.

The electoral commission announced this through its daily bulletin issued on Monday in Abuja.

The newsletter quoted Bala Shittu, the director of Elections and Party Monitoring, EPM, as providing the breaking down of the figures as 43 and seven local and foreign organisations respectively.

According to the commission, the approved groups should obtain, complete and return Form EPMC 002 for the two elections from the EPM department at the INEC national headquarters in Abuja.

It revealed that the commission’s office would be opened, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday on October 2 to October 23 for the purpose.

“The photographs of members of staff to be deployed by approved groups in the two states along with their names should be submitted in hard and soft copies to the said department latest Oct. 23. Late submission will not be entertained.”

It further stated that the dates for distribution of observer kits in the two states would be announced in due course.