INEC rejects voter registration deadline extension calls in Nigeria

• INEC's Continuous Voter Registration exercise ends today, July 26.
• The Electoral Act 2023 requires voter registration to cease 90 days before an election.
• Opposition parties and civil society organizations have called for an extension of the registration deadline.
• INEC will display the voters' register for claims and objections after data clean-up and processing.

The commission's decision is in line with constitutional and legal provisions and necessary to pa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise will conclude today, July 26, despite calls for an extension from opposition parties and civil society organizations. The commission's decision is in line with the new Electoral Act, which stipulates that voter registration must cease 90 days before an election to allow for data clean-up and logistical preparations. INEC has urged prospective voters to take advantage of the remaining hours to complete their registration process online or visit designated registration centres nationwide. The commission's National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, emphasized that there will be no extension, citing the need to begin processing the collected data immediately after the closure of the registration window.

The Electoral Act 2023 requires INEC to stop voter registration and update the voters' register 90 days before an election. This provision is aimed at ensuring the credibility of the final register by allowing for data clean-up, printing of Permanent Voter Cards, and other logistical preparations. The law also mandates INEC to display the voters' register for claims and objections within this period, enabling eligible citizens to challenge omissions and errors in the register. According to the Act, INEC must provide a copy of the final voters' register to each political party ahead of the election.

The closure of the voter registration exercise may lead to a surge in claims and objections, which can impact the credibility of the final voters' register. Lawyers and compliance officers should be prepared to advise clients on how to navigate this process and ensure their interests are protected. The commission's decision has sparked concerns over the number of Nigerians who may be excluded from the 2027 electoral process due to the closure. INEC can only account for eligible citizens who present themselves for registration, highlighting the importance of timely voter registration.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that the closure of the voter registration exercise may lead to a surge in claims and objections, which can impact the credibility of the final voters' register. They should be prepared to advise clients on how to navigate this process and ensure their interests are protected.

Source: Original reporting via Sunday PUNCH