The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced a self-service online voter registration platform to make it easier for eligible Nigerians to register ahead of future elections.
The new platform, announced by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Nasarawa State, Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, is expected to become operational from Wednesday, July 8, through the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal.
According to the REC, the initiative will allow first-time voters to begin and complete their registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office.
He explained that the platform is equipped with identity verification, biometric validation and other security measures to protect the integrity and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
“The platform incorporates robust identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to safeguard the credibility, integrity and accuracy of the National Register of Voters,” he said.
However, Abubakar-Sadiq clarified that Nigerians seeking to transfer their voting location, replace a lost or damaged Permanent Voter Card (PVC), or complete an already initiated physical registration would still need to visit designated INEC registration centres.
The electoral body also announced a two-week extension of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
Originally scheduled to end on July 10, the exercise will now continue until July 26, giving more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register.
According to the REC, the decision followed feedback from INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
“The extension is to provide additional opportunity for eligible Nigerians who are yet to register as voters… It underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the National Register of Voters,” he said.
He encouraged residents who are yet to register to take advantage of both the extension and the newly introduced online registration platform.
Abubakar-Sadiq also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to using technology to improve voter registration and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
Source: NAN
