Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner
BENIN CITY – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday met with relevant stakeholders to brainstorm on the modalities for a free, fair and credible election in Edo State, come February 2015.
Speaking with the stakeholders, represented by the different political parties, the Independent Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Hon. Mike Igini harped on the need to shun misconduct before, during and after election, and stop stealing of ballot paper.
While assuring that there will not be room for rigging of any sort anymore, he said the Independent National Electoral Commission has provided a card reader for the election which will help put a final stop to multiple voting
The card reader, he said, will help in reducing the stealing of cards and all sort of corruption because it already captures the vital data, fingerprints and bio-data of the voter which will indicate ok after putting your card on it.
He further explained that, 1,791,433 voters registered for permanent voters cards out of which just 935,672 have been given out.
Meanwhile, 40,658 PVCs, according to the Electoral Commissioner were snatched from some local governments in Edo State, while only 2,952 have been returned from Orhionmwon local government area in Edo State.
He also said if the voters cards that were stolen were not returned , voters in the affected local governments would be disenfranchised, adding that his primary task is to fight for justice for such persons.
