The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that more than 11,800 new voters have been registered in Imo State as part of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The commission disclosed that 11,839 residents have successfully registered so far, with many of them believed to be first-time voters who recently attained the voting age of 18.
Speaking during a live radio programme in Owerri, INEC officials revealed that registration is currently taking place across most parts of the state.
However, the exercise was temporarily suspended in Egbema, located in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, due to security concerns following reports of violent attacks in the area.
Despite the setback, INEC said security agencies have assured the commission that normalcy has returned, paving the way for the exercise to resume soon.
“We urge people who have not registered before to come out and register to vote,” INEC said.
The commission also reminded residents that only holders of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be eligible to vote during elections.
Meanwhile, INEC officials noted a significant increase in turnout compared to previous registration phases, with large numbers of young people showing interest in obtaining their voter registration.
According to the commission, some registration centres now record more than 100 registrants daily.
INEC also assured persons living with disabilities that adequate measures have been put in place to make both voter registration and future elections accessible and inclusive.
With the exercise described as the final phase of registration, the commission is encouraging eligible residents to take advantage of the opportunity before the deadline.
Source: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
