The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 2.053 million registered voters will participate in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the level of INEC’s preparedness of the governorship election in Akure, the state capital, on Saturday, October 5.

Babalola said 1.034 million males (50.36 per cent) and 1.019 million females (49.64 per cent) were registered for the election.

She revealed that 726,944 (35.41 per cent) were youths, while 721,982 (35.17 per cent) were middle age.

The INEC official stated that the commission has concluded arrangements for a free and fair gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

Babalola said: “INEC has concluded the continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which saw a significant increase in registered voters across the state.

“After the successful conclusion of the exercise, 58,708 new voters were registered. In addition, 3,132 voters transferred their registration into Ondo State while 123 voters transferred their registration out of Ondo State.

“The harmonised total number of new registered voters with the old registered voters is now 2.053 million.

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“So, it is well established that the registration exercise was inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all eligible citizens, including marginalised groups such as women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Babalola added that INEC would soon commence the distribution of PVCs, urging all registered voters in the previous registration exercise who are yet to collect their PVCs to do so.

She said the commission would simplify the collection process and establish PVC collection centres in all Registration Areas and in the Local Government Areas of Ondo State for ease of access.

The INEC REC disclosed that a large percentage of the non-sensitive election materials required for the election had been received and deployed to the 18 Local Government offices.

According to her, the commission is working with the relevant security agencies and stakeholders to ensure safe storage and timely distribution of the materials on the eve of the election.

Babalola, who explained that INEC had taken custody of sufficient numbers of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), said it would be deployed to all 3,933 polling units during the election in Ondo State.

Babalola added: “Let me reiterate that INEC is fully committed to conducting a credible, transparent, and inclusive election in Ondo State.

“We call on the good people of Ondo State to come out en masse on Election Day, exercise their franchise peacefully, and contribute to the democratic process.

“We encourage all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to respect the rules of engagement and promote a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the election.”

The Star