By OTAS DAVIDSON, Benin City

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, commenced Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) training for 36 members of staff from 18 states of the country in Benin City, Edo State.

Participants were drawn from the South West, South East, South-South and Benue State and are expected to undergo a three-day training at a workshop put together by International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) under the tutelage of officials from the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Johnson Sinikiem, who declared the workshop open, said the CVR would commence on June 28, 2021, hence the need to train their staff for the crucial task ahead.

“It is expected that this workshop will identify gray areas during the last exercise in view of resolving them, proffer solutions to technical problems encountered in the field, propose effective logistics towards achieving our goals, staff training and an efficient system.

“The Voters Registry Department should ensure that the core values of the commission-transparency, integrity, excellence and professionalism are observed when the exercise begins,” he added.

On his part, Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman, Prof. Bolade Ayinla, said the commission was committed to designing an improved registration system through the deployment of an online portal where eligible voters could commence registration.

He also said the training was aimed at expanding voter access to polling units, as well as introduce new voter registration technology and equipment.

He noted that the workshop was part of the preparations toward ensuring a seamless and conducive environment for the successful take off and conduct of the
CVR exercise.

Country Manager, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Saray Jah, assured that they would continue to support INEC’s quest for improved electioneering process in the country, while National Commissioner, May Agbamuche urged participants to shun dishonesty and be diligent when the CVR begins. (The Guardian)

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