2023: CLO seeks extension of continuous voter registration

The Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to extend the timeline for continuous voter registration as well as the online pre-registration programme for the 2023 general elections.

In a statement on Monday, the CLO said due to the recent turnout of Nigerians willing to perform their civic duties in the 2023 off-cycle elections, vis-a-vis the odd against them regarding time, – especially the “first-time voters”, it is pertinent that the electoral umpire considers the extension of the deadline for continuous voter registration earlier slated for June 30, 2022, and online pre-registration for May 30, 2022.

This, it said, would enable more enthusiastic eligible voters to be accommodated

democratically. “In addition, it will also allow those who want to move/transfer their PVC, correct names, and date of birth, to do so.

The statement read: “In what many people see as having played to the gallery of political parties cum politicians regarding INEC’s one-week extension of party primaries, the more widely acceptable option would have been an extension for the continuous voter registration cum online pre-registration deadline to give room for more Nigerians to exercise their franchise.

“To date, the larger society still finds it difficult to come to terms with the rationale why the INEC suddenly rescinded her earlier position of not going to yield to the political party’s pressure on party primary extension even when there was no convincing basis for doing such.

“A more worrying part is the reactions from many quarters casting aspersions on

INEC’s image as not truly “independent” (which is not good for the institution), especially from the leading opposition party who were in the wee of their presidential primary while the announcement was made – a scenario many views as changing the goal post while the match had already started.

“While we admit INEC early kickoff notice for citizens to go out for continuous voter registration, we must also take cognizance of the teeming new potential voters, most of which are moved by the recent development of events in the country as well as CSOs voter education campaigns across the board.

“Alarmingly, this set of voters is now being driven by new narratives against the old norm; embracing the power of the ballot. Hence, the door must not be shut at them as in them lies our strength as a nation, and we must harvest them.

“This call is necessary because Nigerians are aware that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ends by 30 June 2022 while online pre-registration ends by May 30, 2022 – a situation that has thrown more panic in the process as centers/platforms are seen being populated and experiencing high-hive of traffic activities.

“On the other hand, it will be a thing of worry that INEC would yield to politicians/party primaries’ requests, and not consider the citizens’ demands; which is more honourable. Thus, this will be seen as playing a double standard. Albeit, INEC mandates ought to be exercised in a fair, just, and non-discriminatory manner.

“It’s worthy to note that “Voters are critical stakeholders in the electoral process and should be treated as such”. (as the saying: what is good for the goose is also good for the gander). Hence, treating all eligible Nigerian voters fairly would advance the people’s right to vote and to participate in their own government.

“More so, we are certain that extending the deadline for voter registration would be entirely in consonance with constitutional and international standards, and the Electoral Act 2022 as well. Furthermore, any such extension would also not impact negatively the

INEC’s election calendar and activities.”