Over two million voters registered for Ondo poll – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that 2.053 million registered voters will participate in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this on Saturday in Akure while addressing newsmen on the commission’s preparedness for the election.

Babalola revealed that 1.034 million males (50.36 per cent) and 1.019 million females (49.64 per cent) were registered for the election. She further noted that 726,944 (35.41 per cent) of the registered voters are youths, while 721,982 (35.17 per cent) are middle-aged.

She said the commission had concluded arrangements to ensure a free and fair election process.

“INEC has concluded the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which saw a significant increase in registered voters across the state,” Babalola stated.

“Following the successful completion of the exercise, 58,708 new voters were registered. Additionally, 3,132 voters transferred their registration into Ondo State, while 123 transferred their registration out of the state.

“The total number of new registered voters, combined with the previous registered voters, now stands at 2.053 million.

“It is well established that the registration exercise was inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all eligible citizens, including marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” she said.

Babalola added that INEC would soon commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, urging all registered voters who have not yet collected their PVCs to do so. She assured that the commission would simplify the collection process and establish PVC collection centers in all Registration Areas and local government areas for easier access.

The REC also stated that a significant portion of the non-sensitive election materials required for the election had been received and deployed to the offices in the 18 local government areas.

According to her, the commission is collaborating with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the safe storage and timely distribution of materials on the eve of the election.

Babalola also mentioned that the commission had received a sufficient number of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices, which will be deployed in all 3,933 polling units during the election.

INEC, she said, has maintained a strong relationship with political parties, civil society organisations, and community leaders to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

“Let me reiterate that INEC is fully committed to conducting a credible, transparent, and inclusive election in Ondo State,” she said.

“We call on the good people of Ondo State to come out en masse on election day, exercise their franchise peacefully, and contribute to the democratic process.

“We also encourage all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to respect the rules of engagement and promote a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the election,” she concluded.