INEC to resume continuous voters registration in Edo, Ondo

INEC to resume continuous voters registration in Edo, Ondo
Joel Oladele, Abuja

Ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced plans to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so.
The Chairman of the Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this on Monday at the second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, in Abuja.
Updating leaders of political parties on Edo election , Mahmood mentioned that the final list of candidates had been published following the conclusion of party primaries and the withdrawal/substitution period as stipulated in the election timetable and emphasized the need for political parties to adhere to campaign timelines and maintain law and order during the electioneering process.
On Ondo State election, the Chairman informed that parties had just concluded their primaries, monitored by INEC, urging them to strictly adhere to the nomination deadline for candidates, which is set for 6.00pm on Monday, 20th May 2024 as there would be no extension of time beyond this deadline.
“The Commission has already published the final list of candidates for the Edo State Governorship election following the conclusion of party primaries and the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates as provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
“Campaign in public by political parties commenced on Wednesday 24th April 2024 and will end at midnight on Thursday 19th September 2024 i.e. 24 hours before the date fixed for the election as provided by law. Let me therefore seize this opportunity to once again reiterate to party leaders the need to continue to maintain law and order during the electioneering process and beyond.
“As we inch closer to Election Day in Edo State, it is also imperative to remind political parties of the need to adhere strictly to the timeline for the upload of the list of polling and collation agents to the dedicated portal. Doing so will enable the Commission to produce and deliver the identity cards in good time for the expected 76,823 Polling Unit agents and 3,587 Ward, Local Government and State collation agents for the 17 political parties participating in the election.
“Turning to Ondo State, political parties have just concluded their primaries. Eighteen (18) political parties conducted primaries monitored by the Commission. I wish to remind you that parties have one week to the deadline for the nomination of candidates which is 6.00pm on Monday 20th May 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down.
“ I urge you to adhere strictly to the deadline. Political parties have been given 23 days (over three weeks) from the end of primaries to prepare and submit the list of only two candidates (Governorship candidate and running mate) to the Commission. There will be no extension of time.
“ As the elections in the two States approach, the Commission has decided to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so. Similarly, those who are registered voters also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other States of the federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the two States.
“ Let me reiterate that the CVR is only open to new registrants and those who seek to transfer their registration. Persons who are registered as voters should not attempt to register again as double or multiple registration is illegal. Lost or damaged voters’ cards will be replaced during the exercise but this does require fresh registration. The CVR in Edo and Ondo States will take place simultaneously from Monday 27th May 2024 to Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily including the weekend,” the chairman said.
He also highlighted vacancies in National and State Assemblies due to various reasons, including death or resignation of members. He assured that INEC would announce dates for bye-elections in affected constituencies once preparations were finalized.
Mahmood therefore encouraged political parties and stakeholders to collaborate in mobilizing prospective registrants for the CVR exercise and urged citizens to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).
“In addition to the registration of voters, the Commission will also make available the uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for collection during the CVR. In the coming days, the list of uncollected PVCs will be published in our offices in the two States and simultaneously uploaded to our website. Again, we encourage those who have not collected their PVCs in the two States to seize the opportunity to do so.
“​Before I conclude, I would also like to inform party leaders about the existence of vacancies in National and State Assemblies caused by either death or resignation of Honourable Members in three States and one Federal constituencies across the country.
“As soon as preparations are concluded, the Commission will announce the dates for bye-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 announced.