INEC Extends PVC Collection Deadline in Osun State NG

• INEC has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State till Friday, 31 July.
• More than 322,000 newly registered voters have collected their PVCs, representing about 62% of those who registered during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
• The extension has significant implications for voters' rights and the overall credibility of the electoral process in Osun State.

The commission is fully prepared to conduct a credible, peaceful, and transparent election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given eligible voters in Osun State an extra opportunity to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). According to the commission, more than 322,000 newly registered voters have already collected their PVCs, representing about 62% of those who registered during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. This development comes ahead of the 15 August governorship election in Osun State, where incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election against candidates from 14 political parties. The extension of the PVC collection deadline has significant implications for voters' rights and the overall credibility of the electoral process.

The INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, announced that the commission is fully prepared to conduct a credible, peaceful, and transparent election. To ensure this, the commission has concluded most of its preparations for the election, including configuring and charging 3,763 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices required for the poll. Additionally, non-sensitive election materials have been distributed to local government offices, while sensitive materials remain secured at the Central Bank of Nigeria in Osogbo. The commission has also identified potential flashpoints and shared intelligence with security agencies to ensure adequate deployment during the poll.

The extension of the PVC collection deadline may have significant implications for voters' rights, particularly in Osun State. Eligible voters who had yet to collect their PVCs are now given an extra opportunity to do so before the deadline. This development underscores the importance of voter education and awareness in ensuring that eligible voters exercise their right to vote. As the electoral process unfolds, it is crucial for lawyers and compliance officers to advise their clients on the implications of this extension and ensure that they take advantage of this opportunity to collect their PVCs.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that the extension of the PVC collection period may impact their clients' voting rights, and they should advise eligible voters to take advantage of this opportunity to collect their cards before the deadline.

Source: Original reporting via Premium Times