The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced plans to launch a nationwide continuous voter registration [/b](CVR) exercise, which is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025. This decision aims to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to register ahead of upcoming elections and ensure smooth electoral processes in the future.
This announcement was made in a memo dated November 20, 2024, where the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, directed all resident electoral commissioners to prepare for the exercise. The memo outlined essential steps for an effective rollout of the CVR process across Nigeria, which will ultimately impact the future of voter participation and representation in the country’s democratic processes.
According to the memo, the CVR exercise will start at the local government area (LGA) level, and then gradually expand to include registration areas. This phased approach is designed to ensure that the process is smooth, organized, and comprehensive, providing all citizens with fair access to the voter registration exercise. The method will be employed to prevent any rush and ensure adequate coverage of the country’s diverse regions.
The memo further outlines preparations that must be undertaken by the state electoral offices, including ensuring the availability of essential equipment for the exercise. This includes the status of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVED) and accessories, the availability of both coloured and black/white heavy-duty printers, as well as CVR forms and materials. The state offices are also tasked with selecting qualified staff members to serve as voter registration officials for the exercise. Additionally, the preparation of data related to uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) is crucial for the printing of a comprehensive register of uncollected PVCs, which will be displayed during the registration process.
It is worth noting that this decision comes after the suspension of the CVR exercise in July 2022, ahead of the 2023 general election. Since then, there has been growing anticipation for the return of the registration process, which will help update the voter list and accommodate new voters, providing more people with the chance to engage in the electoral process. The upcoming CVR exercise is expected to play a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring that voter registration is both accessible and inclusive.
