Double PVC registrants with originally valid cards can cast ballots
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Those who possess valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) but in error registered for a new PVC will be able to cast votes in the crunch ballot in 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured.
INEC National Commissioner and Information and Voter Education Committee Chairman Festus Okoye said double registrants are not entitled to new PVCs and the Commission did not print their cards.
He disclosed INEC retained their previous valid registration in order not to completely disenfranchise them.
“Only registrants that met the constitutional and legal requirements for registration will collect their Permanent Voter Cards,” he explained.
“Those that engaged in double and multiple registrations are not entitled to new Permanent Voter Cards and the Commission did not print their cards.
“The Commission decided to retain their previous valid registration in order not to completely disenfranchise them and such individuals can vote with their previous cards.”
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Double registration an electoral offence
Okoye, however, warned double or multiple registration and possession of more than one PVC is an electoral offence, according to reporting by The PUNCH.
“Individuals that engage in double and multiple registrations and who go to the collection centres to cause confusion, insult, and assault some of our staff risk arrest and prosecution.
“It is an electoral offence to engage in double or multiple registrations and or possess two or more PVCs.
“The Commission has printed the Permanent Voter Cards of all those that applied for a transfer. We have also printed and delivered the cards of those who applied for replacement because of loss, damage or defacement.
“All those that applied for transfer must collect their cards in the new local government offices of the Commission where they intend to vote and not in the local government [from] where they were transferred unless it is the same.”