Political parties participating in the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State have received copies of the voter register. This was in line with the provisions of the provisions of section 10(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Supervising National Commissioner for Ondo, Ogun and Osun States, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, said the total number of registered voters upon completion of the Continous Voter Registration and clean-up exercise was 2,053,061.

Prof. Ajayi said the commission was prepared and determined to conduct a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election. He encouraged all political party representatives to mobilize their supporters to collect their PVCs.

Ajayi said: “Without the PVC, nobody would be allowed to vote. There will be no collection by proxy as it is against the law, and anybody found with more than one voter’s card belonging to the person shall be made to face the full extent of the law.

“The commission is keen on enhancing its inclusive election management capacity at all levels. As such, permit me to use this opportunity to call on all Persons With Disability (PWD), PWD-focused CSOs, and groups to encourage any PWD to come out and collect their PVCs as the commission has made adequate provision for assistive devices which would ensure a seamless voting experience for all PWDs in the forthcoming Ondo Governorship Election.”

Ondo REC, Mrs. Babalola Oluwatoyin, encouraged political parties to complement the Commission’s efforts in voter education and sensitization drive to ensure voters participate in the electoral process in large numbers, free from fear and undue influence.

She urged political parties and candidates contesting the governorship election to operate within the confines of the law and engage the electorate peacefully and respectfully.

“The publication and presentation of the Voter Register ensure transparency and establish a level playing field for all participants. I call on all stakeholders — civil society organizations, the media, and the electorate — to remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding the integrity of this process.

“The publication of the Voters Registers is only the beginning. We must work together to ensure that every stage of this election is conducted with the highest standards of fairness and transparency.”