As part of its effort to ensure credible elections, YIAGA AFRICA through its elections department is exploring possibilities of improving the quality of Voters register in Nigeria. Having observed series of elections across the country including the just concluded 2019 elections, YIAGA AFRICA has identified major issues with the Voters registered which is usually updated and released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking during an experience sharing workshop in Abuja, Programs Manager Cynthia Mbamalu raised concerns on the quality of voters register and if it can stand the test of time and aid in improving Nigeria’s election.
During the discussion led by member of Election Observation Group (ELOG) in Kenya, Joseph Irura, issues of underage voting, multiple registrations, deceased voters and other issues relating to foreigners being on the voter’s register were raised as major issues bedevilling the voter’s register. Similarly, concerns were also raised on the discrepancy between the number of registered voters released by the electoral commission before the election and the numbers released in the course of the elections. A similar scenario was reported with regard to the number of Permanent Voters Card collected ahead of the election.
This and other major issues formed the crux of discussion as YIAGA AFRICA explores various possible ways of improving the quality of Nigeria’s voters register in a bid to ensure better elections ahead of the upcoming Governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi State.
