The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has taken a significant step towards ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process ahead of the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024. In a crucial update, the commission announced that it has successfully registered a total of 2,053,061 voters, an essential figure that will play a key role in the forthcoming election. This was disclosed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a meeting with representatives of all registered political parties in the state. The meeting was held at the commission’s headquarters in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, on Friday.
Mrs. Babalola elaborated on the voter registration process, providing insights into the specific details of new registrations and transfers. According to her, 58,708 new voters were added to the electoral register through the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted by INEC. Additionally, 3,132 voters transferred their registrations into Ondo State, while 123 individuals transferred their registrations out of the state. These figures have been harmonized with the previously existing voter register, culminating in the final total of 2,053,061 eligible voters set to participate in the forthcoming election.
The REC emphasized that the commission is presently focused on the critical next step, which involves organizing the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). As Mrs. Babalola noted, detailed arrangements for PVC collection will be made public in due time, ensuring that all categories of voters, including those newly registered during the CVR exercise, will have a clear and accessible path to retrieve their cards. This process is essential, as possession of a valid PVC is the primary means for citizens to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming election.
In her address to the political parties present at the meeting, Mrs. Babalola highlighted the importance of collaboration between INEC and all stakeholders to ensure a successful election. She called on the political parties to play an active role, not only in their campaigns but also in areas that directly impact the electoral process, such as voter education, mobilization, and sensitization. The REC underscored that voter education is key to ensuring that citizens are fully informed about the process and requirements, thereby minimizing confusion and potential disenfranchisement on election day.
Furthermore, Mrs. Babalola stressed the need for political parties to assist in the distribution of PVCs, particularly in remote areas where logistics might pose a challenge. She urged party representatives to share information with their constituencies, helping to ensure that all registered voters are aware of the designated centers for PVC collection and the importance of collecting their cards in a timely manner. In her view, the cooperation of political parties in this regard is vital for the commission’s efforts to conduct a seamless and well-organized election.
“As usual, your cooperation is much needed as the commission rolls out the distribution and collection of the PVCs at all the Registration Areas where the last CVR exercise took place,” she stated. This cooperation, according to Mrs. Babalola, would help create a secure and conducive environment for both INEC staff and voters, ensuring that the PVC distribution process is not only efficient but also free from unnecessary delays or disruptions.
The REC further pointed out that security is a top priority for the commission, especially as the state gears up for the governorship election. She reassured all stakeholders that INEC is working closely with security agencies to provide a safe environment for both the election officials and the electorate. Ensuring the safety of voters and staff during the PVC collection phase is particularly crucial, given the increasing security challenges in various parts of the country.
INEC’s commitment to transparency and fairness was also reiterated by Mrs. Babalola, who assured political parties that the commission remains dedicated to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. She urged all political actors to maintain decorum and abide by the established guidelines throughout the campaign period, reminding them that peaceful conduct is fundamental to a successful electoral process.
As the date for the election draws nearer, the preparation by INEC in Ondo State serves as a reflection of the broader efforts by the commission to ensure that every registered voter has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. The ongoing work on voter registration, PVC distribution, and the coordination of political parties is aimed at minimizing challenges on election day, providing voters with an organized and smooth process.
In conclusion, Mrs. Babalola’s briefing not only highlighted the progress made in preparing for the November 16 governorship election but also reinforced the essential role that collaboration between INEC and political parties will play in the coming weeks. The announcement of over two million registered voters signals a significant level of engagement by the electorate, and with the continued efforts of all stakeholders, the governorship election in Ondo State is poised to be a pivotal event in the state’s political landscape.
