Twelve political parties in Akwa Ibom have been cleared for the forthcoming local government election in the state.

Announcing this at a press conference on Monday, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), Elder ANIEDI IKOIWAK, said though 19 political parties exist in the state, 12 had submitted their list of candidates.

On preparations for the election, he announced that 14,000 security personnel are expected to man 4,300 polling units, 369 electoral wards and 31 local government areas in the state.