INEC reschedules the start of physical voter registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved the start date of physical voter registration for the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration campaign from July 19 to July 26.

INEC’s spokesman, Festus Okoye, announced the decision in an Abuja statement on Friday.

He explained that the one-week change occurred in response to the government’s declaration of July 20 and 21 as public holidays.

Mr Okoye stated that the commission met on Thursday and deliberated on a number of issues, including the start of physical voter registration and online registrants’ scheduled appointments.

He recalled that on Tuesday, July 13, the commission met with Resident Electoral Commissioners and discussed how the public holidays could affect the start of physical voter registration on Monday, July 19.

“Also at risk of having their registration schedules disrupted are some online registrants who have scheduled appointments to complete their registrations on dates that coincide with the same public holidays.

Read also: Nigerian authorities say to have detained five men over the weekend after accusing them of being gay

“Subsequently, the commission promised to meet on Thursday, July 15, to review the situation and provide clarification. This is precisely what has occurred.

“With the federal government declaring Tuesday, July 20, and Wednesday, July 21, as public holidays, the date scheduled for the start of physical registration must be adjusted.

“As a result, physical voter registration will now begin on Monday, July 26.”

Mr Okoye stated that online registrants who had appointments scheduled between July 19 and 23 would have their appointments rescheduled.

He emphasized the one-year duration of the Continuous Voter Registration, assuring all Nigerians that no citizen eligible to register as a voter would be left behind.

(NAN)