JUST IN: Voters register display shady, rights groups slam INEC

A coalition of over 80 human rights under the aegis of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, on Monday, expressed displeasure with the manner with which the Independent National Electoral Commission had displayed register of voters for public scrutiny, saying it “does not fully conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.”

INEC had displayed voters’ register in its Local Government Area Offices nationwide for seven days between August 15 and 21, 2022 for citizens to make claims and objections.

The NCSSR in a statement by its Conveners, Ene Obi, Asma’u Joda
and James Ugochukwu, said the display was a vital aspect of the election process that would promote credibility of the voters’ register as citizens would able to raise objections with respect to name of a person included in the register who was not qualified to be registered as a voter in that area, or who is a deceased, or whose name had been omitted.

The organisation cited Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, stipulating that the voters’ register “shall be displayed or published for public scrutiny at every registration area and on its official website or any website established by the Commission for that purpose.”

The statement read, “To make this process seamless for citizens, it is expected that the commission, in line with its current stance on the use of technology in elections, would also digitise this process as mandated by the new Act.

“Thus, we are demanding that INEC comply with this provision by displaying the register at the Registration Area/Ward level and on its website for seven days. This has to be done before the commission commences printing of Permanent Voters’ Cards for new registrants.

“As we head into the elections, we urge the electoral body to carry out its responsibilities in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.”