By John Ikani
Nigeria’s electoral umpire – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) for the 2023 election will end on July 31.
INEC had earlier fixed June 30 as the deadline for the ongoing CVR ahead of the 2023 elections — but the commission later extended the exercise indefinitely.
However, the commission in a statement on Friday said the exercise will come to an end on July 31st.
While noting that the daily timeframe of the exercise has been extended to eight hours — from 9am to 5pm — instead of the current duration of six hours daily, INEC added that the exercise will now include weekends as against only weekdays.
The statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee Festus Okoye, said the commission took the decisions after its extraordinary session on Friday.
Mr Okoye said the timeframe might be tight for many prospective registrants, but there is a lot that the Commission is required to do under the electoral legal framework in relation to voter registration and compilation of the register that will need time to accomplish.
What INEC is saying
“We appeal for the patience and understanding of all Nigerians as we conclude the exercise which will resume after the 2023 General Election,” INEC said.
“We observed that following the continuation of the exercise beyond 30th June 2022, many of the registration centres recorded low turnout of prospective registrants.
“With this two-week extension, we appeal to eligible citizens not to wait until the last few days before they inundate the centres again to register.
“We understand that the timeframe may be tight for many prospective registrants, but there is a lot that the Commission is required to do under the electoral legal framework in relation to voter registration and compilation of the register that will require time to accomplish.
“We appreciate the interest of Nigerians to register and participate in the electoral process and once again reiterate our commitment to credible and transparent elections. This can only be achieved with the support and cooperation of all Nigerians.”
The commission asked Nigerians to take advantage of the new two-week extension to register for their permanent voter cards (PVCs).
