Victor EzejaThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resolved to suspend Continuous Voter Registration exercise as it fixes February 2022 for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.
The commission made the resolution after it’s meeting on Thursday which deliberated on the FCT Area Council Elections.
According to a statement by Festus Okoye, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the decision was in line with section 9 (5) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which says that “registration of voters, updating and revision of the register of voters shall stop not later than 60 days before any election covered by the Act.”
“Consequently, the Commission will, in compliance, suspend further registration of voters in the FCT with effect from December 12, 2021,” Okoye said.
He stated that in line with the Electoral Act which grants the commission power to conduct the FCT Council election, it had met on 30th March 2021 and fixed Saturday 21st February 2022 for the elections into the offices of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and members of the Area Councils of the FCT.
Okoye disclosed that in order to contain the anticipated upsurge of people as the CVR winds down in the FCT, the Commission has deployed additional INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs) to the registration centres, adding that a total of 17 IVEDs have been distributed based on two per Area Council and five at the Registration Centre.
He further stated that, “All appointments beyond 12th December 2021 have been rescheduled and notifications sent to the affected persons through email.
“The Commission has also suspended services for all voter updates, transfers, and reviews in relation to the FCT. The Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) of new registrants will be printed and made available for collection immediately after the required processes have been completed and well ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday 12th February 2021.
“The Commission remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, and safe elections in Nigeria,” Okoye stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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