By Nathaniel Gana

14th May 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has implored Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to support it in mobilising prospective registrants for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, scheduled to simultaneously commence in Edo and Ondo states on the 27^th May.

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the call during the Commission’s Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with members of the Civil Society Community, held at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday 14^th May, 2024.

Only yesterday, the INEC Chairman announced the resumption of the CVR in Edo and Ondo States, to give room for prospective registrants and those who may wish to transfer their registrations, as well as people with cases of lost or defaced Permanent Voter Cards to get replacements.

Prof. Yakubu said: “The Commission appeals to CSOs to join us in mobilising prospective registrants for the exercise, particularly on the need to register early and not wait until the deadline approaches when the registration centres will be inundated by eleventh hour registrants.

“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.

“We believe doing so will make it easier for voters to collect their PVCs. However, no PVCs will be collected by proxy. Registered voters should come in person to collect their cards. Again, we seek for the support of CSOs in encouraging voters to locate and pick up their PVCs as was done in the past.”

The INEC Chairman also urged the CSOs to submit their reports on the outcome of their monitoring of campaigns by political parties, while also appealing to them to also submit their applications for election observation early. He warned that the Commission will not entertain requests outside the deadline.

He said: “As we inch closer to Election Day in Edo State, it is also imperative to remind CSOs of the need to submit your applications for election observation in earnest along with the required supporting documents and a realistic number of individual observers.

“Doing so will enable the Commission to produce and deliver the identity cards for observers in good time. The Commission will not entertain requests outside the deadline for the receipt of applications from interested observer groups or process applications that do not meet the criteria.”

He added: “For emphasis, submission of reports from previous accreditation in the manner required by the Commission is mandatory for continuous participation in election observation. Since our last meeting two months ago, many accredited observers have submitted their reports but a few are yet to do so. We urge you to do the needful. Your reports are important for us in reviewing and improving our processes and procedures.”

Responding on behalf of the CSOs, the President, International Institute of Leadership and Governance, Dr. Paddy Njoku, appreciated the depth of information given on their responsibilities to the Commission and the electorate.

He said: “We also appreciate the fact that even though the Commission is independent, it is partially dependent on us for collaboration. We promise that we will fulfill all the demands placed on us and that this relationship will be strengthened and will continue to grow”.