INEC To Start Continuous Voter Registration In 1st Quarter 2021—Mu’azu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed plans to roll out the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), programme nationwide in the first quarter of 2021.
The Acting Chairman, Ahmed Mu’azu, who made the disclosure Tuesday, at the electoral commission’s quarterly meeting with Political Parties in Abuja, said work is in progress towards that goal.
He sought the support and inputs of the political parties to guarantee a smooth take-off and hitch free conduct of the exercise.
Mu’azu noted that the purpose of the meeting was to fulfill the requirements of the regular quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of registered political parties, and to consult with them regarding the pending 15 bye elections in 15 constituencies across 11 states of the federation.
He commended the leadership and candidates of the political parties for the role they played in ensuring peace during the just-concluded Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
According to him, “All efforts including signing and keeping to the letters and the spirit of the peace accord as well as adherence to the commission’s Voters Code of Conduct for elections during the COVID-19 pandemic are fully acknowledged.
“Nevertheless, the Commission feels that there is room for improvement. We would therefore welcome your feedback on the conduct of elections,’’ Mu’azu said.
Responding on behalf of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, the National Chairman of African Action Congress, Mr Leonard Nzenwa, expressed dismay over the destruction of the Commission’s critical assets during the EndSARS protest, leading to the postponement of the by-elections.
While commended President Muhammadu Buhari for re-appointing Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as INEC chairman, he pledged that political parties would continue to work with INEC to improve on the country’s electoral process.
(TSN)
