In preparation for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to register new voters who have recently turned 18, News About Nigeria reports.
The exercise, which is to ensure eligible voters are registered and can collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), is currently underway in various local government areas, including Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba-Okha.
At a press briefing held on Monday at the Ikpoba-Okha registration area, INEC National Commissioner for Edo, Delta, and Cross River, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the registration process.
“We have been to Oredo, and now we are here at Ikpoba-Okha, which we are using as our state head office registration centre due to the flood disaster at our head office on Friday,” said Prof. Gumus.
“So far, we are in touch with other registration areas within and outside Benin, and the exercise is proceeding smoothly. We have registered several individuals, and others are still waiting. The process just started today, and it is going smoothly and is impressive and commendable.”
Prof. Gumus assured registrants that everyone would be registered and urged them to remain patient.
State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, also addressed the media, stating that INEC is prepared for the CVR exercise.
Despite the recent flood that damaged some of the commission’s equipment, Dr. Onuoha said that the exercise would continue unabated.
“We are witnessing a large turnout of people here, either as new registrants, those transferring their registration, or those collecting their PVCs,” said Dr. Onuoha.
“INEC is fully prepared for this exercise, and nothing will impede its success. Though we initially faced some network problems, they have been resolved, and the exercise is proceeding smoothly.”
