INEC Reveals When, How It Will Distribute PVC In Bayelsa, Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has noted that it is set to commence the distribution of 219,935 uncollected Personal Voter Cards (PVCs) in Bayelsa and Kogi on Sept. 2. as the governorship elections in both states approach.

This was announced by the commission in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, today in Abuja.

According to Okoye, the total number of uncollected PVCs for Kogi stood at 170,644, while that of Bayelsa were 49, 291 cards.

He said the decision was reached at today when the commission met and reviewed its preparations for the conduct of the states’ elections, which has been scheduled for Nov. 16.

According to Okoye, PVC collection would end on Sept. 30, adding that it would take place at the Registration Areas (RAs)/Wards in each of the local governments and Distribution Officers (DOs) between 9.a.m to 3.p.m from Monday to Friday.

He noted that two teams of Distribution Officers would be made available per local government, while adding that the officers would rotate the distribution of the PVCs in the RAs or from the community to community, based on a schedule agreed upon by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the stakeholders.

“The Resident Electoral Commissioners will provide contacts and telephone numbers where registered voters that have not collected their PVCs can call and make inquiries relating to the collection.

“The commission will send bulk short messages to the registered voters in the two states that have yet to collect their PVCs.

“The commission will also display the list of registered voters that have yet to collect their PVCs at the respective state and local government offices of the commission and at other designated public places,” he said.

Okoye added that the commission would engage faith-based, professional, civil society and community-based organizations to create increased awareness for the collection of PVCs.

“PVC collection will be suspended in both states on Sept. 30 preparatory to PVC data harvest/audit preceding the publication of the register of voters.

“A detailed breakdown of collected and uncollected PVCs for the states will be published at the end of the exercise,” he explained.