The Independent National Electoral Commission in Ekiti has begun preparations for the display of the Preliminary Register of Voters and the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards ahead of future elections. A stakeholders' engagement was held at the INEC State Office in Ado-Ekiti, bringing together traditional rulers, party leaders, civil society organisations, media representatives, and other relevant stakeholders. The programme aims to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process.
The display of Preliminary Register of Voters and PVC collection will take place from October 9 to 15. According to Mr. Tiamiyu Arowolo, Head of Department, General Administration, the register will be displayed daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Registration Areas and Local Government Area headquarters. This process allows the public to verify details, file claims, or object to ineligible names with supporting evidence, as mandated by Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
Arowolo emphasized that the exercise is a foundational pillar for electoral integrity and directed staff to treat all citizens equally, avoid extortion, and give priority attention to the elderly, the infirm, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. He also urged participants to ensure a smooth and transparent process. The INEC official highlighted the importance of citizen participation in verifying the register and collecting PVCs.
Dr. Rahman Badru, Head of Department, Electoral Operations, urged participants to campaign against vote-buying, noting that the INEC Chairman had held meetings to address challenges observed during previous elections. The INEC officials and stakeholders discussed ways to improve the electoral process and ensure that citizens are aware of the importance of verifying their details and collecting their PVCs.
Mrs. Titilayo Oderinde, Head of Department, ICT/Voter Registration, emphasized that objections must be backed by concrete evidence. She clarified that a name could only be removed as deceased upon the presentation of an official death certificate. Oderinde also mentioned that PVCs for a recent election had been printed, with distribution continuing at Local Government Area offices beyond October 15.
The Director of the National Orientation Agency in Ekiti, Mrs. Oluwakemi Akomolede, described the exercise as timely, noting that complaints regarding mismatched biometrics, missing names, and deceased persons still appearing on the register had characterized a recent election in the state. She pledged to mobilize the agency's officers for extensive sensitization and public awareness to ensure prompt verification of the register and timely collection of PVCs by concerned citizens.
The stakeholders' engagement and subsequent display of the Preliminary Register of Voters and PVC collection are crucial steps in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in Ekiti. Citizens are urged to participate actively in verifying their details and collecting their PVCs to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process. The exercise is expected to enhance the credibility of future elections in the state.
Key points
- The display of Preliminary Register of Voters and PVC collection will take place from October 9 to 15.
