The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) says INEC should make extension of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) worthwhile by providing enough Voter Enrollment Devices (IVED) to match the surge of applicants seeking registration.
The IPAC Chairman in Lagos State, Mr Olusegun Mobolaji, who made this remark on Friday in Lagos, however, commended INEC for the extension of June 30 deadline for CVR.
Mobolaji said that the current rotational arrangement of voter enrollment machines across local government should stop, saying INEC should get enough machines that could be stationed at strategic locations in each ward.
“This extension is a welcomed situation, we actually need the extension. This shows that INEC wants people to really register. However, this time now, INEC should make it worthwhile.
“If possible, INEC should get us more enrollment machines that will be able to sustain the crowd at each of these points.
“Instead of the current rotation here and there. let INEC get enough enrollment machines and station them at strategic locations like schools or field in each wards,” he said.
Mobolaji said that the rotation of the enrollment machines in each local government had continued to generate complaints from people, that INEC officials were putting them at residence of some chieftains of ruling party.
“We want these machines stationed in a field or school that is neutral because of the complaints from people that some people are monopolising the machines.
“This should be avoided. We want the machines in schools or fields where people can access it easily,” he said.
According to him, IPAC is working with electoral officers ans going round to monitor rotation of the machines to make sure that all complaints are addressed.
He urged the youth and other people who were yet to register to take advantage of the window, “there is a lot that can be done within 30 days.”
Mobolaji, who appreciated INEC for all its efforts, said that the commission had to do more.
“INEC might have done their best but that their best will not good enough if any eligible applicant presents himself or herself for registration and such is not captured,” he said.
Mobolaji, who noted that the exercise could still be better, said that IPAC would sensitise people better within the window of extension.
INEC on Thursday announced the shift of the deadline for the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) until further notice.
The electoral umpire had earlier set June 30 deadline to stop the voter enrollment ahead of the 2023 general elections.
