The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented the soft copy of the Register of Voters to the 18 political parties that will participate in the forthcoming off-cycle November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.

The National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Ogun, Osun, and Ondo States, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, who presented the Register of Voters to the political parties, disclosed that the move was in line with the timetable scheduled for the activities of the upcoming polls.

Ajayi, who stressed that the electoral body is prepared and ready to conduct a credible and seamless election, stated that the process was part of the transparency assured by INEC.

He said: “In line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ondo State Governorship Election, today we shall be presenting the soft copies of the Register of Voters to the 18 political parties sponsoring candidates for the Ondo State gubernatorial election.

“Very importantly, let me use this opportunity to pledge the Commission’s preparedness and determination to conduct a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election in Ondo State come the 16th of November, 2024.”

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On her part, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, noted that the Register of Voters is the official document that determines who is eligible to participate in the election and serves as the cornerstone of electoral credibility.

“This publication and presentation is not merely a routine administrative procedure but a crucial and constitutional step in safeguarding the credibility and transparency of our electoral process. The Register of Voters is the official document that determines who is eligible to participate in the election and serves as the cornerstone of electoral credibility. It is pivotal in ensuring that every eligible voter can fulfill their civic duty,” she said.

Giving an analysis of the Register of Voters, the director in charge of the voter registry, Engr. Olatunde Gafar Olalere, stated that the presentation of the data was in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.

He said: “Section 15, Part 1F of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) permits the Commission to arrange and conduct the registration of persons qualified to vote and prepare, maintain, and revise the register of voters for the purpose of any election under the Constitution.

“Sections 9-23 of the Electoral Act 2022 further elaborate on the powers of the Commission to conduct voter registration and give details about the registration of persons who qualify to vote.”