The House of Representatives has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to extend the deadline for continuous voter registration by 60 days.
According to the reports, On Wednesday, June 15 the resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion passed by Benjamin Kalu, a lawmaker from Abia state. He noted that the extension of the voter registration will enable many eligible Nigerians to register.
“The large numbers of unregistered eligible voters willing to be registered as evidenced by crowd seen at various registration centres resulting in congestion.
“Reports of shortages of voter registration machines, inadequate manpower and personnel at registration centres may lead to frustrations among prospective registrants and in some cases, unrest at some registration centres.
“The right to vote is critically important to the health and legitimacy of our democracy, as well as electoral integrity,” Kalu said.
The movement was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house.
The house committee on electoral matters was then directed to engage INEC and ensure that the deadline for voter registration is extended by 60 days. They were also asked to engage with INEC to “examine and proffer solutions to the shortage of registration machines and manpower.”
The committee is to report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
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