Edo 2024: INEC To Commence CVR Exercise, May 27
By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo State to enable unregistered voters to register for the forthcoming election in the State.
The commission said that the registration exercise would last for 10 days commencing from May 27 to June 5, 2024.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Edo State, Professor Rhoda Gumus, during a stakeholder’s meeting held at the commissioner’s head office in Benin.
The National Commissioner’s speech which was read by Dr. Anugum Onuoha, Edo State Residential Electoral Commissioner, has it that the exercise became imperative to “allow persons who turned 18 years, as well those who have not registered before or wish to transfer their registration to their new location to participate in the forthcoming election.”
“This will enable prospective registrants, enough time to register before the governorship election.
Also note 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 multiple registration is Illegal. Lost or damaged voters cards will be replaced during the exercise.”
“In addition to the registration, uncollected Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) will be made available for collection. Also the list of uncollected PVCs will be published in the state office soon and simultaneously uploaded to the commission website.”
According to him, out of the 2,501,08 persons that registered for the 2023 election in the state, only 2,128,288 collected their PVCs while 373,030 PVCs remained uncollected.
He, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders “to join in mobilising prospective registrants to come out en mass for the exercise.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Onuoha, Edo REC, said the engagement with, and support from partners and stakeholders was one of the critical factors for success of the electoral process.
According to him, because of time constraints, “online pre-registration option in Edo will not be possible”, adding that each centre will be managed by two officials of the commission and members of the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC).
He added: “In the next few days, the commission will commence the training of officials for the exercise.”