The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as the September and November governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states draw near, News About Nigeria reports.
According to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, who revealed this decision during the second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja on Monday, the move aims to ensure that eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming elections.
He said it is important to provide a fair and inclusive electoral process by allowing all eligible citizens to register to vote.
Yakubu stated that INEC had already published the final list of candidates for the Edo State Governorship election following the conclusion of party primaries.
He urged political parties to adhere to timelines for various electoral activities, including the upload of lists of polling and collation agents.
In reference to the Ondo State primaries, Yakubu reminded political parties of the upcoming deadline for the nomination of candidates and urged strict adherence to the submission timeline.
He stressed that parties have a limited timeframe to prepare and submit the list of candidates to the Commission, with no extensions granted.
Regarding the CVR exercise, Yakubu announced that it would take place simultaneously in Edo and Ondo States from Monday, May 27, 2024, to Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
The registration will occur at the ward level and state headquarters to facilitate accessibility for eligible citizens.
Yakubu clarified that the CVR is open to new registrants and people seeking to transfer their registration.
He cautioned against double or multiple registrations, stating that it is illegal.
Additionally, he announced that uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) would be made available for collection during the CVR period.
To manage the registration process, each centre will be staffed by two officials from INEC, including regular staff and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
INEC will also conduct training for at least 794 officials to oversee the exercise.
Yakubu assured the public that detailed information about registration centres and other relevant details would be made available through INEC’s website and social media platforms.
He encouraged those who have not collected their PVCs to seize the opportunity to do so during the CVR period.
