The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported significant progress in the collection of newly printed Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in Edo State.
Out of the 184,438 PVCs printed during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, 125,928 have already been collected. This represents 68.3% of the new cards issued, showcasing a strong turnout from voters ahead of the governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, provided this update in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja. Olumekun highlighted that this collection rate is the highest recorded by INEC since the introduction of CVR for off-cycle governorship elections in 2015. This achievement underscores the successful implementation of the PVC distribution process in the state.
The collection took place across all 192 wards in Edo State from August 22 to August 26. INEC’s efficient coordination ensured that the process was smoothly executed. Olumekun explained that PVCs were sorted and organized by Polling Units, Wards, and Local Government Areas (LGAs).
To enhance transparency and accessibility, INEC created a collection register detailing the availability of cards, which was then uploaded to the commission’s website for public access. The commission has also provided a detailed breakdown of PVC collection by LGAs on its website and social media platforms, allowing voters to track progress and access relevant information.
This move aims to keep the public informed and engaged in the electoral process.
INEC has announced that the PVC collection will continue at its offices across all 18 LGAs in Edo State from Wednesday until September 8. This extension provides an additional opportunity for voters who have not yet collected their cards. Olumekun urged those who have not picked up their PVCs to visit their local INEC offices promptly.
He also reiterated INEC’s policy that cards must be collected in person and cannot be picked up by proxies. This policy is in place to ensure that all voters receive their cards directly and to prevent any potential misuse. Information on the locations of INEC LGA offices is available on the commission’s website, providing easy access for voters seeking to collect their PVCs.
Overall, the high collection rate and organized distribution process reflect INEC’s commitment to facilitating a smooth and accessible electoral process for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
