The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged residents of Enugu State to participate in the ongoing Claims and Objections, and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection windows. INEC commenced nationwide Claims and Objections for fresh registrants and PVC collection for those who transferred voting location or are yet to collect their PVCs on October 9. This initiative aims to ensure eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote.
INEC Residents Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, addressed a press briefing in Enugu, emphasizing the importance of these exercises. He stated that the Claims and Objections window would last for seven days, from October 9 to October 15. Both exercises commenced simultaneously across all 260 Registration Areas (RAs) in the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State.
Dr Chukwu disclosed that INEC had concluded training and retraining for designated personnel on the procedures and processes for the Display and Hearing of Claims and Objections, as well as PVC distribution. He encouraged eligible persons to take advantage of this opportunity and avoid waiting until rush hours or the last day before visiting their designated Registration Areas.
The Display and Hearing of Claims and Objections is a crucial aspect of the voter registration process, allowing eligible citizens to examine the voters’ register and bring forward legitimate claims or objections regarding entries in the register. This process aims to identify and correct errors, address legitimate concerns, and improve the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register ahead of future electoral activities.
On PVC distribution, Dr Chukwu stated that it was intended for eligible citizens who registered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and those who applied for voter transfers or replacement of lost or damaged PVCs. He advised affected persons to visit the appropriate Registration Areas where their PVCs are available and collect them within the stipulated period.
Dr Chukwu emphasized that Enugu State currently has a total of 2,213,768 registered voters across its 17 council areas, underscoring the importance of maintaining an accurate, credible, and up-to-date voters’ register. He called on stakeholders, community leaders, civil society organizations, political parties, and members of the public to support the successful conduct of these exercises.
INEC Enugu State remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness, professionalism, and the continuous improvement of the electoral process. The PVC collection will continue until December, and the commission encourages eligible citizens to participate in the exercise and bring any legitimate claims or objections to the attention of designated INEC officials.
Key points
- INEC commences nationwide Claims and Objections for fresh registrants and PVC collection for those who transferred voting location or are yet to collect PVCs.
- The Claims and Objections window will last for seven days, from October 9 to October 15.
- Enugu State currently has a total of 2,213,768 registered voters across its 17 council areas.
