The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allow Nigerians to complete voter registration, Charmingpro reports
The body issued a one-week deadline to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to allow seven million Nigerians to obtain permanent voter cards (PVCs).
According to SERAP, of the 10,487,972 Nigerians who pre-registered, only 3,444,378 completed the process at a physical center.
Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated in a letter dated August 13, 2022, that denying eligible citizens the opportunity to complete their registration will undermine trust in the process.
The organization warned that it would limit their ability to vote and choose their preferred candidates in the 2023 general elections.
According to SERAP, the applicants’ failure to complete their registration at designated centers “is not sufficiently weighty to justify their exclusion.”
The electoral umpire’s “preferred justification” of saving time and money, according to Oluwadare, is insufficient.
“In light of the fundamental nature of the right to vote, administrative convenience is simply not a compelling justification.”
SERAP reminded Yakubu that Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022 states that voter registration, updating, and revision of records must not cease more than 90 days before any election.