According to Vanguard, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced plans to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo and Ondo states ahead of the governorship elections scheduled for September and November respectively.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this disclosure during a meeting with political parties in Abuja, emphasizing the importance of facilitating voter participation in the upcoming elections.
In Edo State, the final list of candidates for the governorship election has been published following the conclusion of party primaries and the withdrawal/substitution period.
Campaigns by political parties commenced on April 24, 2024, and will conclude 24 hours before the election date, in accordance with legal provisions.
Yakubu stressed the need for political parties to adhere to deadlines for submitting the list of polling and collation agents, ensuring smooth logistical preparations for the elections.
Regarding Ondo State, Yakubu noted that 18 political parties have concluded their primaries, urging parties to meet the deadline for nominating candidates.
The portal for candidate nominations will automatically close at 6pm on May 20, 2024.
In preparation for the elections, INEC will resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in both states, enabling eligible citizens to register as voters or transfer their registration.
Yakubu emphasized that double or multiple registration is illegal, urging registered voters not to attempt re-registration.
The CVR exercise in Edo and Ondo states will run from May 27 to June 5, 2024, from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily, including weekends.
To optimize registration accessibility, the exercise will be conducted at Ward level and state headquarters, totaling 397 walk-in registration centers across both states.
Yakubu highlighted that there will be no online pre-registration option due to time constraints. Each registration center will be managed by two officials selected from INEC's regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Additionally, the Commission will make uncollected Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) available for collection during the CVR exercise.
The list of uncollected PVCs will be published in INEC offices and on their website, encouraging eligible voters to seize the opportunity to collect their cards.
INEC will commence the training of officials for the exercise and provide detailed information on registration centers through their website and social media platforms in the coming days.