The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo and Ondo states ahead of the September and November governorship elections, respectively. This decision aims to allow eligible voters to participate in the upcoming elections.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, disclosed this during the second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties held in Abuja. He stated that the Commission has finalized the publication of the final list of candidates for the Edo State governorship election following the conclusion of party primaries.
Campaign activities by political parties in Edo State commenced on April 24, 2024, and will conclude at midnight on September 19, 2024, 24 hours before the election date, as stipulated by law. Yakubu emphasized the importance of adhering to timelines for the upload of polling and collation agents’ lists to the dedicated portal to facilitate the production and delivery of identity cards.
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Regarding Ondo State, Yakubu noted that 18 political parties had completed their primaries, with the nomination deadline set for May 20, 2024. Parties have been given a three-week window to submit the list of only two candidates – the governorship candidate and running mate – to INEC, with no extension of time granted.
Furthermore, INEC has decided to resume the CVR exercise in both states to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to register. Registered voters also have the opportunity to transfer their registration within or to Edo and Ondo states. The CVR will take place from May 27 to June 5, 2024, at ward registration centers and state headquarters. There will be a total of 397 walk-in registration centers across the two states.
Yakubu clarified that there will be no online pre-registration option due to time constraints. He urged eligible citizens to take advantage of the registration exercise and emphasized the importance of avoiding double or multiple registrations, as it is illegal. Lost or damaged voter cards will be replaced during the exercise, but fresh registration is required.
The resumption of the CVR underscores INEC’s commitment to ensuring the active participation of eligible voters in the democratic process and facilitating smooth electoral activities in Edo and Ondo states.
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