… INEC Extends Continuous Voter Registration to June 9th

In response to numerous appeals from stakeholders, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo States. Originally set to conclude on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the registration period has now been extended from Thursday, June 6, to Sunday, June 9, 2024, to accommodate more eligible voters.

The commission revealed this decision following a meeting held today, emphasizing the necessity to provide additional opportunities for voter registration. The daily registration hours have also been extended from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

To enhance accessibility, the number of registration centers has been increased. Besides the initial 397 ward centers and two state offices in Benin City and Akure, all 36 Local Government offices in the two states will now facilitate voter registration. Additional registration machines will be deployed to areas with unique challenges, such as difficult terrains or communal conflicts.

INEC has also ensured that detailed information regarding the names and addresses of the new Local Government registration centers is available on its official website and social media platforms for the benefit of registrants.

As of Monday, June 3, 2024, eight days into the CVR process, a total of 120,458 new voters have registered in Edo and Ondo States. The demographic breakdown shows 55,861 males (46.4%) and 64,597 females (53.6%). Notably, youths aged 18-34 years constitute the majority with 82,003 registrations (68.8%). Among the registrants, 43,419 (36.8%) are students, and 812 (0.67%) are persons with disabilities (PWDs). These numbers are preliminary, with final figures to be published post-registration after data validation using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

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INEC appeals to all eligible voters to utilize this extended period for new registrations, transfers, or corrections of personal information on their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The commission has made it clear that no further extensions will be granted.