The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called upon Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to support in mobilizing prospective registrants for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise scheduled to commence simultaneously in Edo and Ondo States on the 27th May 2024.
The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the appeal during the Commission’s Second Quarterly Consultative Meeting with members of the Civil Society Community held at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday, 14th May 2024.
Recalled that the INEC Chairman on Monday announced the resumption of the CVR exercise in Edo and Ondo States to accommodate prospective registrants, seeking to transfer their registration and those requiring replacements for lost or defaced Permanent Voter Cards.
Addressing the CSOs present, Prof. Yakubu said, “The Commission therefore appeals to CSOs to join us in mobilizing prospective registrants for the exercise, particularly on the need to register early and not wait until the deadline approaches when the registration centers 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 exercise. 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 the support of CSOs in encouraging voters to locate and pick up their PVCs as was done in the past.”
The INEC Chairman urged CSOs to turn in their reports on the outcome of their monitoring of campaigns by political parties and to submit their applications for election observation early. He warned that the Commission will not entertain requests outside the deadline.
Prof. Yakubu said, “As we inch closer to Election Day in Edo State, it is 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 to receive applications from interested observer groups or process applications that do not meet the criteria.”
“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 to review and improve our processes and procedures.” Prof. Yakubu added.
Responding on behalf of the CSOs, the President of the International Institute of Leadership and Governance, Dr. Paddy Njoku appreciated the depth of information the Commission gave regarding their responsibilities to the Commission and the electorate.
He said, “We also appreciate that even though the Commission is independent, it is partially dependent on us for collaboration. We promise to fulfill all the demands placed on us by the Commission and that this relationship will be strengthened and continue to grow.
Will they listen