INEC commences voter registration next week

By Akpos Oghenetega

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has concluded plans to begin continuous voter registration from April 27 across the 774 local councils of the federation.

INEC stated this in a statement signed by Mrs Amina Zakari, INEC National Commissioner, after a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECS) and Administrative Secretaries from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The commission stated further that the registration exercise would take place from 9 a.m to 3 p.m on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays), excluding public holidays.

The registration centres, according to the statement, shall be the local government offices of the commission or such other suitable locations as would be made public by the State Offices of lNEC.

It stated that the decision was taken at the meeting following INEC consultations with stakeholders including political parties, civil society organisations and the media.

“The exercise is intended to enable citizens who have turned 18 years of age since the last registration as well as those who did not register during the last exercise to register as voters.

“It will allow those seeking transfer of their registration from one State to another or within a State from polling unit to another to do so.

“The exercise also intends to enable the distribution of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to those who could not collect them before or since the last general elections.

“It will also enable citizens who have the Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) but whose names are on the register to collect their PVCs,’’ it said.

However, the commission advised those who were already registered not to do so again as it is an offence to register more than once.

“The commission wishes to reiterate its commitment to consolidating our democracy.

`This we are going to do by ensuring that citizens are given the opportunity to register as voters on a continuous basis as enshrined in the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) well before elections.’’

It therefore appealed to all citizens to cooperate with the commission to ensure the success of the exercise.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had earlier said the registration would be a routine exercise once it commences. (NAN)