The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially resumed the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo and Ondo states.

This move aims to facilitate eligible citizens who haven't registered to vote yet, ensuring their participation in the upcoming governorship elections. Scheduled for September 21 and November 16, 2024, respectively, these elections are crucial for the democratic process.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, announced the CVR's resumption during a consultative meeting with political party leaders. Unlike previous approaches, this registration phase will occur at ward levels and state headquarters rather than solely at local government offices or specific centers. This decision aims to enhance accessibility and participation.

The CVR process in both states will run concurrently from Monday, May 27, 2024, to Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Operating daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, including weekends, this timeframe aims to accommodate the schedules of as many eligible voters as possible.

“As the elections in the two states approach, the commission has decided to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two states to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so. Similarly, those who are registered voters also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other states of the federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the two states. Let me reiterate that the CVR is only open to new registrants and those who seek to transfer their registration.

“Persons who are registered as voters should not attempt to register again, as double or multiple registration is illegal. Lost or damaged voters’ cards will be replaced during the exercise but this does require fresh registration. The CVR in Edo and Ondo States will take place simultaneously from Monday 27th May 27, 2024 to Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily, including the weekend.

“Taking into consideration the limited time to the governorship elections, the commission has decided to conduct the registration at ward level and our state headquarters instead of our local government offices and a few designated centers as was the case in the past.

“This means that there will be 192 ward registration centres in Edo State and 203 centres in Ondo State, in addition to our state offices in Benin City and Akure, making a total of 397 walk-in registration centres in the two states. There will be no online pre-registration option in the two states because of time constraints.

“Each centre will be managed by two officials drawn from our regular staff and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). In the next few days, the commission will commence the training of at least 794 officials for the exercise.

“The locations of the registration centres as well as other relevant information have been compiled in a detailed 28-page document included in your folders for this meeting. The same information will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information shortly.”