INEC approves 770 additional polling units in Gombe -REC
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has approved 770 additional polling units in Gombe, the first after it creation in 1996.
According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alh. Ibrahim Umar, this would go a long way in reducing overcrowding during voting process in the state.
He made this declaration on Thursday, during stakeholders meeting on Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), stressing that the 770 were created from the existing 2,218 units in the state.
“I informed you that approval was being awaited for the conversion of 770 Voting Points in the State to Polling Units (PUs). Today, I am glad to inform you that the Commission has approved the conversion these Voting Points into full-fledged PUs. This brings the total number of PUs in Gombe State to 2,988.
“It is worthy to note that this is the first time the Commission is creating new PUs after several failed attempts in the past 25 years.
“We believe that this measure will reduce overcrowding in PUs and also reduce the distance voters cover to access them during elections,” Umar said.
Commenting on the online registration, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, said INEC is ready for the resumption and seamless implementation of the CVR. In line with the Commission’s commitment to the deployment of technology for the betterment of the electoral process.
He added, “As at this morning about 57,128 persons in Gombe State have applied or requested for different services available on the online portal.
“However, it is pertinent to note that online pre-registration for new voters is incomplete until their biometrics is captured at the registration centre earlier scheduled. The total number of persons who have either completed their registration with biometrics capture at our registration centres or presented themselves for in-person registration as at this morning is 12,251.”
While warning residents about multiple registration, Umar pointed out the consequence, saying “I also want to clarify that registered voters need not register again but they can request for transfer to PUs nearest to them or update their information to avoid multiple registration which is an offence punishable by law under the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). The Commission will not hesitate to prosecute multiple registrants, therefore the general public are advised.”
