The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Saturday began distributing election materials for the local government chairmanship and councillorship polls across the state.

At the registration centre in Elekahia, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, party agents and temporary staff of the commission were seen as trucks moved materials to designated polling units around 9 a.m.

The exercise covers all 23 local government areas, 319 wards, and 4,442 polling units in the state. Security personnel have also been deployed to maintain order and ensure a smooth process.

Saturday’s poll follows the Supreme Court’s decision in February, which nullified the October 2024 council elections for breaching provisions of the Electoral Act.

Residents are expected to turn out later in the day to elect new council chairmen and councillors under the supervision of RSIEC.