The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to restart Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
Mahmood Yakub, the INEC Chairman, announced the CVR schedule from May 27 to June 5, 2024, at the second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja on Monday.
He noted that voters could transfer their registration to Edo and Ondo states. Registered voters can also move their voting details within these states.
The Edo State election is set for September 21, 2024, and the Ondo State election for November 16, 2024.
The INEC chairman stated that the CVR aims to allow new registrations and transfers within and to the two states.
He emphasised that the CVR is not for those already registered and warned against multiple registrations.
Yakubu added that the replacement of lost or damaged voter cards will be allowed but without the need for new registration.
The CVR in both states will run from 9 am to 3 pm daily, including weekends, according to the commission.
Yakubu mentioned the integration of uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards and the creation of 397 registration centres, adding that due to time limits, registration will occur at the ward level and state headquarters.
He noted that there will be 192 centres in Edo State and 203 in Ondo State, plus state offices in Benin City and Akure and online pre-registration will not be available in these states.
He said, “As the elections in the two states approach, the commission has decided to resume the Continuous Voter Registration in the two states, to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so.
“This means that there will be 192 ward registration centres in Edo State and 203 centres in Ondo State, in addition to our state offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 walk-in registration centres in the two states.
“There will be no online pre-registration option in the two states because of time constraints. Each centre will be managed by two officials drawn from our regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps.”
Yakubu urged political parties and stakeholders to encourage early registration, stating that the commission will train 794 officials for this task.
He asked Edo State parties to follow the timeline for agent list uploads and Ondo State parties to nominate candidates promptly.
Yakubu reminded parties of the importance of adhering to deadlines for agent list uploads and candidate nominations.
Yakubu informed the party leaders of vacancies in assemblies due to member departures in three states and one federal constituency.
He noted that the commission will soon announce by-election dates for the vacancies.
“I would also like to inform party leaders about the existence of vacancies in National and State Assemblies caused by either the death or resignation of honourable members in three states and one federal constituency across the country.
“As soon as preparations are concluded, the commission will announce the dates for by-elections in Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers State, the Bagwai/Shanono State constituency of Kano State, the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State, and the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State,” he said.
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