INEC says the deployment of the machines is to ease the challenges confronting Nigerians in the continuous voter registration exercise.
By Emma Ogbuehi
In a bid to address complaints of inadequate facilities and centres arising from the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has released additional 209 machines to the five states of the south East, Kano and Lagos.
INEC Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, who made the disclosure in a statement, said the measure became necessary, given unprecedented surge in the number of citizens that wish to register as voters and the challenges they face across the country.
Complaints of insufficient centres and facilities have trailed the exercise, especially in the South East and some parts of Lagos and Kano.
Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had on account of the frustration being encountered by Nigerians eager to register, especially in the South East, called on INEC to ensure that eligible Nigerians are not denied their rights of registration and voting in 2023.
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Okoye admitted the surge in the number of citizens that wish to register as voters, hence the action by INEC. Though falling short of explaining how the machines would be deployed, Okoye assured that every step will be taken and all options will be explored to ensure that eligible Nigerians are given the opportunity to register as voters.
He attributed the sudden surge by Nigerians seeking to be registered as an affirmation of the increasing confidence Nigerians have in the electoral process
The statement 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 hinderance.
“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.