From: Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, warned voters in Edo State against multiple registration .
National Commissioner for South-South in the commission, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, gave the warning during the launch of the continuous voters registration exercise in Benin.
Agbamuche-Mbu, who spoke through the Administrative Secretary, Edo Office, Mr. Oscar-Lee Amaechi, said perpetrators of multiple registration would be prosecuted, explaining that multiple registration is prohibited and would not be allowed.
According to her, the primary aim of the exercise was to effect the registration of eligible voters and distribution of Permanent Voters’ Registration Cards(PVCs) to voters who did not register during the last registration exercise.
Besides, she said the exercise was also to update the voters’ register to reflect transfers and deaths in accordance with section 10 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
“Registration must be done in person and not by proxy, multiple registration is prohibited. Temporary Voters’ Cards(TVCs) will be issued to registrants at the point of registration”, adding that PVCs of voters registered in the first quarter would be ready for collection in the third quarter.
The INEC National Commissioner further announced that the PVCs of voters registered in the second quarter would be ready in the fourth quarter.
She urged political parties to encourage their supporters to come out to register and collect their PVCS, as it was a condition for voting at elections.
The continuous voters registration exercise commenced in the state on April 27 and is expected to end by July 25,2017.