By Divine Ihechimerem
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo states by four days, following appeals from stakeholders. Originally set to end on Wednesday, June 5, the exercise will now conclude on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
INEC has also increased the number of registration centers. Initially, there were 397 Wards; now, all 36 Local Government offices in both states will serve as registration centers.
Mr. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), announced the extension in a press statement on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, after the Commission’s meeting to review the ongoing CVR.
With the extension, more registration centers, additional machines, and an expanded daily registration period from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, more eligible individuals will have the opportunity to register.
Mr. Olumekun stated: “The number of centers has been increased beyond the 397 wards and the two State offices in Benin City and Akure to include all the 36 Local Government offices of the Commission in the two States. More machines will also be deployed to areas with unique needs, such as difficult terrain or communal issues. Detailed information on the names and locations of the LGA offices has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms.”
He also shared preliminary registration data, indicating that youths dominate the new registrants at 68.8%. As of Monday, June 3, 2024, 120,458 new voters have registered: 55,861 (46.4%) are male, and 64,597 (53.6%) are female. Among the new registrants, 82,003 (68.8%) are youths aged 18-34, and 43,419 (36.8%) are students, while 812 (0.67%) are Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
“The final figures will be published on a state-by-state basis after the exercise concludes and data is cleaned using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS),” Mr. Olumekun added.
INEC urges eligible voters to take advantage of this extension to register, transfer, or correct personal information on their PVCs, emphasizing that no further extension will be granted.