The Enugu State local government election recorded low voter turnout on Saturday, with some residents attributing the apathy to inadequate awareness and distrust arising from previous elections.

The election, conducted by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas, also witnessed delayed arrival of electoral materials at several polling units.

Few voters were seen casting their ballots at some polling units in Trans-Ekulu and parts of New Haven in Enugu metropolis.

At polling units in Achara Layout and Awkunanaw, electoral materials arrived late, while security personnel and some voters waited at Igbariam Primary School for the materials.

Some youths at the polling unit were seen playing football while waiting for the voting materials to arrive.

The low turnout occurred despite campaigns by political parties and appeals by ENSIEC and the state government for eligible voters to participate in the election.

A resident, Mr Raphael Nnamani, said he deliberately stayed away because he believed his vote would not count.

Another resident, Ms Margaret Ozioko, said she was unaware that the election was taking place, while a civil servant, Mr Peter Eze, attributed the low turnout to inadequate awareness and previous election experiences.

Mr Eze also questioned the impact of local government elections on residents.

Another resident, Mr Fabian Ugwu, described the exercise as an “affirmation of selected candidates”.

The residents, however, urged political leaders and electoral authorities to do more to encourage citizens to participate in future local government elections.

Results of the election were expected to be announced later on Saturday as collation continued across the state’s 260 electoral wards.