The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Wednesday placed the number of those who have collected their permanent voter cards, PVCs, at 55,232,875, amounting to 80 per cent distribution rate.
An INEC Commissioner, Chris Iyimoga, who disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja however clarified that the Commission is not in a position to say if or when its chairman, Attahiru Jega, will be leaving office. He said, “It is an endorsement from the National Assembly, the commission is not in position to say when or how the chairman will be removed from office.”
Iyimoga pointed out that INEC took full advantage of the postponement to rev up the distribution of PVCs which has resulted in 80 percent of the cards now been collected by registered voters.
According to him, “I am delighted to report that we have achieved 80 percent distribution of PVC. [In all], 55,232,875 PVCs have been collected. I am also delighted to report that we have taken delivery of ballot papers and boxes.
“We have intensified our civic education efforts. The commission has collaborated with national council of arts to disseminate messages to grassroots,” he said.
While allaying the fears of Nigerians following speculations making the round about the reliability of card readers, Iyimoga said they would be tested prior to the elections.
His words, “The commission has conducted rigorous testing of card readers to test its functionality before election day. Field testing of card readers will be done in different geopolitical zones ahead of 2015 polls.
“For all 150,000 Polling Units (PUs) and voting points, card readers have been sent down to these areas ahead of the polls.
He revealed that INEC would meet with state officials and representatives of political parties next week to witness them such programs in about 2015. “The commission will meet with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and political parties next week to brief on INEC’s readiness.
“The commission will meet accredited observers on the 19th to discuss the best practices for 2015 polls,” the Commissioner said.
With this development, INEC has distributed over 3 million voter cards since the postponement of the elections was announced on the 7th of last month.
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