The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken significant steps to ensure that the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) are available for collection by registered voters in Edo State. In a recent meeting held on Monday, 21st August 2024, in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, outlined the commission’s readiness for the distribution process. This update is part of INEC’s ongoing efforts to streamline the voter registration and identification process, ahead of the upcoming elections in the state.
The voter registration drive in Edo State has been highly productive, with a total of 119,206 new voters successfully added to the electoral roll. Additionally, 8,847 voters transferred their registration from other states to Edo, while 46,171 voters transferred within the state, ensuring their records are updated to reflect their current locations.
Prof. Yakubu emphasized the need for accuracy in the voter registration data, noting that 4,808 voters applied for corrections of their names, addresses, and dates of birth. Furthermore, 5,406 requests were made for the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, reflecting the continuous interaction between citizens and the commission to ensure accurate records. In total, INEC catered to the needs of 184,438 voters in various categories during the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo State.
With the PVCs printed and delivered to INEC offices in Benin City, the commission is fully prepared for the collection phase. The PVC collection process will be divided into two phases. The first phase will take place at 192 Wards across Edo State from Thursday, 22nd August to Monday, 26th August 2024, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, including weekends.
For those who may miss the first collection window, the second phase will be conducted at 18 Local Government INEC offices between Wednesday, 28th August and Sunday, 8th September 2024, also from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
To further aid the collection process, INEC has uploaded detailed information about the collection dates and centers on its official website and social media platforms.
Prof. Yakubu reminded citizens of the importance of personal responsibility in the collection of their PVCs. He reiterated that PVCs will not be collected by proxy, meaning each voter must physically collect their own card. This policy is in place to prevent PVCs from falling into the wrong hands, ensuring that the integrity of the voting process remains intact. Prof. Yakubu urged voters to take the necessary steps to collect their cards and, most importantly, to show up on Election Day to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. “We urge voters who took their time to register during the CVR to also take time to collect their PVCs in person and, most importantly, to come out on Election Day and vote for the party of their choice.”
In addition to the preparations in Edo State, Prof. Yakubu also spoke about arrangements being made for Ondo State. While the specific dates for PVC collection in Ondo are yet to be announced, he assured voters that INEC is finalizing plans for the November governorship election in the state. “I want to assure the electorate in Ondo State that action is being taken in respect of the availability of their PVCs for the governorship election holding in November this year,” he said.
As part of the its preparations, INEC is presenting the final register of voters to each political party fielding candidates for the upcoming elections. The distribution of the voter register fulfills the requirements outlined in item 10 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
Additionally, Prof. Yakubu highlighted that media organizations intending to cover the elections in Edo State must complete their accreditation via the commission’s online portal before the deadline on Thursday, 5th September 2024, at 6 p.m. This accreditation process is crucial for ensuring that the election is adequately covered by journalists and that accurate information reaches the public. As of Monday, 19th August 2024, 63 organizations had submitted accreditation requests for 584 personnel to cover the elections. This high level of media interest reflects the importance of the upcoming election and the need for transparency throughout the process.
