THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the period for collecting Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) nationally by one week ahead of 2023 general elections.
INEC set January 22 as the initial deadline for PVC collections after it was transferred to the wards and registration areas to facilitate voter collection.
However, Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, stated this night that the commission decided to extend the process at the conclusion of its normal meeting, which also covered the ongoing collection of PVCs and other matters.
He added that the increase in the number of PVCs gathered nationwide and the participation of registered voters gave the commission hope.
“In some of the states, as many as 100,000 PVCs were collected in the last five days since the devolution to Ward level started on Saturday 6th January 2023. The commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election.
“For this reason, the timeframe for collection of PVCs is extended by eight days. Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00am-3.00pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).
“As a result of this extension, there is a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows: Collection at Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one a week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023.
“Collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January 2023,” Okoye said.
Meanwhile, the commission said it is investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent processes in order to obtain their PVCs.
Those found culpable, Okoye said, will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
He said, “Similarly, the commission is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations. This is against the law. All bonafide registrants are entitled to their PVCs and to use them to vote on Election Day in any part of the country where they are registered.
“Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been directed to ensure that no such practices occur nationwide and take immediate disciplinary action against violators.
“For the record, the Commission has printed 13,868,441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards. Nevertheless, issuing officers should compile any complaints about non-availability of cards and forward them to their immediate supervisors for the attention of RECs who shall compile and forward them for necessary action.”
He also appreciated the patience and perseverance of citizens as the commission continue to finetune the process to make the collection of PVCs easier.
