The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the launch of online inec voters registration portal which can be accessed via https://www.cvr.inecnigeria.org or https://www.cvr.inec.gov.ng
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman told journalists in Abuja on Thursday, June 24, that the inec portal was launched for intending registrants to start voters registration online and then proceed to any inec state or local government office to complete the registration.
Yakubu said that as a result of security challenges in some parts of the country, the commission decided to start the registration online before it commences fully at all the 2,673 registration centres nationwide on a letter date.
“In addition, those who are already registered as voters can carry out all the other activities such as transfers, correction of personal details and replacement of damaged or defaced PVCs online,” he said.
“We hope that through this portal, we shall reduce overcrowding at our registration centres, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, make the registration processes generally easier, thereby giving Nigerians a pleasant electoral experience.
“However, I must quickly reiterate that the online registration is a public service and therefore free of charge. There is no INEC-approved cybercafe, no online registration centre and no scratch card to be purchased for the exercise. All you need is a device, including your mobile phones, that can connect to the internet.”
Mahmood added that INEC has acquired all the equipment for the voter registration and has also planned for the deployment of 5,346 staff to the registration centres.
Among the equipment for the exercise is a new registration machine called the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED). This device is built around the concept of a Tablet computer and will replace the lap-top based old Direct Data Capture Machine (DDCM).
“I am glad to say that our engineers designed the IVED in-house before it was fabricated abroad. It is more mobile and efficient than the DDCM and could also be deployed to other activities, particularly the accreditation of voters during elections. The new machine will be unveiled at this press conference,” Mr Yakubu said.
While the development seems pleasant to some, Mr Yakubu noted the fear of others as the country’s electoral process struggles for more technologically-inclined process.
“On this note, let me allay the fears expressed by some Nigerians that many citizens may be disenfranchised by the new digital arrangement,” Mr Yakubu said.
“The Commission is aware that not all Nigerians have computers, smart phones, access to the internet or residing in urban and sub-urban areas. Some citizens may also have one form of disability or another to make it impossible for them to register online.
“The Commission is also aware of its responsibility under the law to provide every eligible Nigerian the opportunity to register irrespective of where they live or other circumstances of life.
“I wish to assure you that in addition to the online registration portal, there will be some 2,673 centres where citizens can register physically nationwide.
“Furthermore, the exercise will be carried out continuously over a period of at least one year thereby providing enough time for the Commission to reach all the nooks and crannies of the country. No eligible Nigerian will be disenfranchised.”
The INEC Voters Registration portal will be accessible from Monday June 28,2021 when the online registration is scheduled to commence.
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