Edo poll: INEC to release voters register August 20

The Independent National Electoral Commission has stated that the official publication of the voter register would be done on August 20, with copies presented to the different political parties.

The Edo state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, disclosed this at a stakeholder’s meeting with traditional, religious, and leaders of political parties in Edo state on Thursday.

He also called on all political parties participating in the September 21 governorship election in the state to abide by the electoral guidelines to avoid violence.

Onuoha has said political parties did not play by the rules for not informing the commission about the commencement of their campaigns.

He said, “I want to tell the stakeholders that the official publication of the voters register would be done on August 20 with copies presented to the different political parties.

“The campaigns started on April 24. It is our duty to monitor campaigns to ensure that the political parties play by the rules. At the local government level, inform the Electoral officers that you (political parties) are going for campaigns and billboards should not be destroyed.

“This interaction session became necessary to inform the stakeholders of progress being made as regards the conduct of the election.

“The commission is ready to furnish all political parties with relevant information that would lead to a peaceful, free, and credible Edo governorship election.”

He also assured the parties of a level playing ground devoid of compromise and favouritism.

He noted that the recruitment of observers for the election had been concluded while the recruitment of ad hoc staff was ongoing.

Responding to questions asked by the stakeholders, the REC said the Edo State Security Network would not be part of security agencies for the election.

He said that vote buying and selling were electoral offences, noting that perpetrators would be persecuted by the relevant authorities.

He noted that BVAS for the election was being configured, and the logistics arrangement had begun.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the session, the Chairman of Edo Council for Islamic Affairs, Abudulazeez Igbinidu, commended INEC for the progress made so far.

Punch