INEC yet to know the number of PVCs for Edo

Two weeks to the commencement of the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and continuous voters’ registration exercise, the authorities of the Edo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) weekend said it was yet to know the number of permanent cards that would be distributed to the state.

The exercise scheduled to begin November 7, 2014 and end on the 9th is expected to take place in 13 states, including Edo.

The exercise is the third phase of the distribution of PVC and continuous registration of voters’ exercise by INEC.

Baritor Kpadih, commissioner in charge of Edo State gave the hint to journalists during questions and answer during a briefing at the commission’s office in Benin-City.

According to him, “the number of PVC will be equal to the number of registered voters. I think what is important here is that I don’t want us to leave the important things for those that will not help. Even if I give you the number of permanent voters’ card and people don’t come out to collect, will it be of any use? So, ask me questions that will help this exercise. Before we go to the field and you want to know the number of PVCs that will come here, we will call for another press briefing because I have not received the cards. When the cards come I will give you the details even unit by unit.”

Kpadih disclosed that the collection of the PVCs by voters would not be done on proxy, noting that only those whose names are in the 2011 INEC’s register are entitled to collect the PVCs.

He said the collection would be followed by Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise from November 13 to 17.

Other states in the third phase are Adamawa, Borno, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Plateau and Rivers.

IDRIS UMAR MOMOH