The House of Representatives has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the deadline for continuous voter registration by 60 days.
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According to the house, this is to enable more eligible Nigerians to register and get their Permanent Voter Card and participate in the 2023 general elections.
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The resolution was passed during the plenary session on Wednesday, June 15, following the adoption of a motion passed by Benjamin Kalu, a lawmaker from Abia state.
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Recall that the electoral umpire had fixed June 30 as the deadline for the suspension of CVR across the country ahead of the 2023 general election.
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“The large numbers of unregistered eligible voters willing to be registered as evidenced by crowd seen at various registration centres resulting in congestion.
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Reports of shortages of voter registration machines, inadequate manpower and personnel at registration centres which may lead to frustr@tions among prospective registrants and in some cases, unrest at some registration centres.
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The right to vote is critically important to the health and legitimacy of our democracy, as well as electoral integrity,” Kalu said.
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The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house.
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The house committee on electoral matters was then directed to engage INEC and ensure that the deadline for voter registration is extended by 60 days.
