Our Reporter, Abuja
In oder to address the unprecedented surge in the number of citizens queuing for registration in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said it is immediately deploying additional 209 machines to ease off the crowd.
INEC made this known on Friday in press release by Mr Festus Okoye, its Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
The Commission said it took this decision after it received reports of over-crowded centres from the states which led to a meeting of all the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Thursday 9th of June, 2922, to review the situation.
According to the Release, the 209 machines will be deployed in the five South-East states, Lagos and Kano “where the pressure is acute.”
The full text of the press release read:
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received reports from our States indicating an unprecedented surge in the number of citizens that wish to register as voters and the challenges they face across the country. In some States, the sudden turnout of prospective registrants is overwhelming.
“Consequently, the Commission convened an urgent meeting with all the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) yesterday Thursday 9th June 2022 to review the situation so that eligible Nigerians who wish to register are able to do so. The necessity to urgently deploy more voter enrolment machines to ease the congestion at the registration centres was identified as a priority.
“In response, the Commission has immediately released additional 209 machines deployed mainly to the five South Eastern States, Lagos and Kano where the pressure is most acute.
“The Commission will monitor the situation over the next few days. Thereafter, it will meet to review the progress of the exercise.
“Every step will be taken and all options will be explored to ensure that eligible Nigerians are given the opportunity to register as voters.
“The Commission appeals for patience and understanding of all citizens. Every Nigerian who is 18 years of age and above has the constitutional right to register and vote in any part of the country he/she resides without let or hindrance.
“The sudden surge is an affirmation of the increasing confidence Nigerians have in our electoral process. The Commission will continue to ensure that this confidence is sustained.”
