The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the commencement of voter registration for citizens who have recently turned 18, making them eligible to participate in upcoming elections.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, disclosed this during a media briefing on Wednesday in Awka. He described the exercise as timely, noting that it would ensure the inclusion of young adults in the November 8 governorship election in Anambra.
He said it also showed the commission’s efforts to strengthen democracy and future elections in the country.
Mefor called on all eligible citizens yet to obtain the voting power to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise as announced by INEC, which commenced nationwide on Tuesday, July 8.
He urged the affected citizens to take time and be part of the exercise to avoid excluding themselves from performing their civic duties, as the exercise, he said, would end on July 17.
The commissioner said the exercise provided an opportunity for young people, who have recently turned 18 years and are now eligible to vote, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
He noted that only citizens who have relocated to Anambra from other parts of the country and wish to transfer their voting rights, and those who have lost or defaced their voter cards and need to replace them, are allowed under the law to do so.
Mefor urged anyone who fell within the mentioned categories to visit their nearest registration center and complete the registration process.
He added that the exercise was a crucial step in ensuring that the nation’s democracy remains vibrant and representative of the will of the people.
He advised the people to avoid double registration but support INEC in its efforts to provide a free, fair, credible, and transparent election in the country.