Commission to begin voter registration August 22

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked political party leaders to pay more attention to promoting democracy.Resident Electoral Commissioner in Delta State, Mr. Baritor Kpagih and Chairman of the state INEC, Moses Ogbe, both preached this to party chairmen, security operatives and other stakeholders at a meeting convened for them in Asaba.

The INEC chiefs maintained that good democratic culture could only be developed by following due procedures.Kpagih revealed that the commission would begin registration of voters on regular basis and distribute voters’ cards starting from August 22, 2016.

Kpagih added that the voters card will be distributed free of charge, while replacement will attract minimal cost.The INEC chief advised politicians to shun irregularities at elections and to warn their constituents against double registration, to avoid rendering their cards invalid.

“Let me urge party leaders to advise their members to do the right thing, because free and fair elections are the products of the people and the commission,” Kpagih emphasised.

Security chiefs from the army, Police, Civil Defence, Customs, were in attendance and they pledged to support law and order.Delta State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Gideon Oyibo and Secretary Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Obi Nzete and other party leaders commended the commission for organizing the meeting, adding that if this is done regularly, electioneering business will become less hectic.

They called on INEC to block leakages and loopholes in their systems to curb malpractices and promote free and fair election.
Meanwhile, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim yesterday warned party stalwarts against hiding under politics to commit crime.

Ibrahim, in Asaba, said with the wind of change blowing in the police force under the new Inspector General of Police, criminals have no place in the state. He vowed to deal decisively with anyone caught in illegality.

Ibrahim attributed the success of the police in protecting lives and property to the support from other security agencies like the vigilante groups and well-meaning people of the state.