Ahead of next month’s off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will, on Tuesday, 15th October, present the register of voters to registered political parties fielding candidates in the governorship election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this to journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, stating that the presentation of the Official Register of Voters to political parties is in line with the provisions of Section 10(4) of the Electoral Act of 2022.
According to her, “When a general election is notified by the Commission under Section 28 of this Act, the current official register of voters certified by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of this Act shall be the official voters’ register.”
“The Register of Voters is a vital document that contains the details of all eligible voters for the election. The register is the foundation of electoral credibility and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their civic duty.”
“In line with the statutory requirement to publish and provide copies of the voter register to all political parties, the Commission will present the updated register to political parties on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the INEC Conference Room in Akure, starting at 9:00 a.m.”
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She continued, “I encourage political parties to seize this opportunity, as it reflects the Commission’s commitment to transparency and ensuring a level playing field.”
“It is also an excellent moment to enhance voter education and sensitization efforts, enabling the electorate to critically engage with party manifestos and make informed choices.”
Babalola also said that as part of efforts to ensure a smooth, credible, free, fair, peaceful, transparent, and inclusive election, the Commission would commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the state from 17th October, 2024.
She disclosed that there was a significant increase in registered voters across the state at the end of the exercise, with no fewer than 58,708 new voters registered.
According to her, about 3,132 voters transferred their registration into and within Ondo State, while 123 voters transferred their registration within and out of Ondo State. The harmonized total number of new registered voters, combined with previously registered voters, is now 2,053,061.
“This exercise will begin at the Registration Area (RA) level from October 17th until October 21st, 2024, including weekends.”
“PVC distribution will take place across all 203 RAs in the state, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, after which it will continue at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from 23rd to 29th October, 2024.”
“PVCs will be distributed at designated collection centers across all 203 Registration Areas within the state’s 18 local government areas.”
She urged registered voters, especially those who recently updated their details or are newly registered, to take advantage of this opportunity to collect their PVCs. She also encouraged those who had previously registered but are yet to collect their cards to use this window to do so.
The REC reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and accessible PVC collection process, encouraging all eligible voters to make sure they collect their cards, as timely distribution of PVCs is expected to enhance voter participation and help guarantee a credible and inclusive election.
Speaking on the training of security personnel and Ad hoc staff for the election, the Ondo INEC boss disclosed that about 11,799 security personnel would take an oath of neutrality to participate in the election, while 17,705 Ad hoc staff at different levels would also be trained ahead of the election.
