The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured all of seamless registration as the continuous voters registration exercise kicks off in Bayelsa State.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Yenagoa, the state capital, the new Resident Electoral Commissioner, Isah Ehimeakhe, said some innovations will be unveiled as the exercise begins on August 18 via INEC’s official portal.
Ehimeakhe warned against underage registration and emphasised the prohibition of double registration and its consequences.
He said that the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System is designed to detect multiple registrations and flag individuals who attempt to register more than once.
He said, “Once you have been issued a PVC or previously completed the registration process, you do not need to register again; attempting to do so amounts to double registration, which is a punishable offence under the law.
“Specifically, Section 114 (b) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits double registration. Penalties include a fine, imprisonment, or both.
“INEC’s Automated Biometric Identification System is designed to detect multiple registrations and flag individuals who attempt to register more than once.
“Voter registration is not only a fundamental right, but also a duty of every eligible citizen of Nigeria; no individual can vote in an election unless they are duly registered to do so. We urge all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18 and have not yet registered to do so.
“The commission remains resolute in protecting the voting rights of every eligible Nigerian; no eligible citizen will be denied the opportunity to register and vote. INEC will collaborate with security agencies and other partners to ensure a practical, secure, and transparent registration exercise.”
He also called on all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, youth and women groups, civil society organisations, and the media, to support the exercise.
