By Peter Okolie
INEC says it has introduced fresh measures to overcome security threats and difficult terrain that encumber smooth implementation of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Imo.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Sylvia Agu, disclosed this at a meeting with Electoral Officers and Heads of Department of the commission in Owerri, on Wednesday.
Agu said the strategic shift was designed to enhance new registration figures in the state.
“The commission has come out with a better plan to improve the CVR,” she said.
She said that the commission had transitioned from stationary to rotational registration points.
She said: “From Feb. 2 to April 10, registration will no longer be restricted to Local Government headquarters.
“Teams will rotate IVED machines across designated registration areas to bring services closer to the citizens as against stationing the machines at the council headquarters.
“We will rotate our machines to areas where we can access the people, in terms of proximity and difficult terrain, while ensuring security for all.”
Agu said the mobile approach, running for 50 days, was designed at the high-level deliberations in Lagos to ensure no eligible voter was disenfranchised by distance or fear of attack.
She also said that specific focus was being placed on volatile zones in Imo, such as Okigwe, Orsu, Njaba, and Mbaitoli.
According to her, the commission is currently collaborating with community leaders and security agencies to guarantee safety.
Agu further urged traditional and religious leaders, as well as groups to assist the commission in sensitising and mobilising their communities for the second phase of the CVR.
She emphasised that increased scanners and IVED machines were essential for a successful, high-volume exercise.
While commending the hitch-free exercise recorded during the first phase, she cautioned the commission’s staff members against any misconduct.
“Don’t move to the field without security,” Agu advised them.
She expressed the confidence that the second phase would surpass previous records through the targeted interventions.
The REC said that the second phase of the exercise commenced on Jan. 5 and would end on April 10, to be followed with the publishing of names for claims and objections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sam Oditah
