Voters will only register once for the permanent voter cards (PVCs) throughout their lifetime, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Cross River State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, has disclosed.
Igini who spoke ahead of the distribution of the cards in Cross River, cautioned voters to secure their cards because they may not have an opportunity get a new one except the first registration is destroyed.
The distribution took place between August 15 and 17 simultaneously in all the 2,253 polling units in the state. Continuous voter registration will take place from August 20 to 25.
Igini explained that “the PVC is a smartcard identity that contains the bio-data of all persons who are qualified to register. It has the biometrics and facial image. It has security features that make it impossible for it to be replicated.
“With the PVC, we have come to an end. PVC is registered once in a life time. There is room for replacement in future, but I want to strongly advise that it should be securely kept. This is a treasured identity, keep it in a very safe place.”
Anyone who misplaces his voter card can obtain a new one at the polling unit where he registered in 2011.
“For the purpose of PVC collection, the public should know that no card can be collected by proxy. It is an offence to sell or buy a PVC. Offenders will be punished as stated in Section 25 of the Electoral Act which stipulates two years imprisonment,” Igini warned.
