The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has addressed concerns regarding the migration of voters during the recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement, the Acting Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, clarified that no voters were relocated to different polling units. Instead, the commission established split polling units in larger areas to alleviate potential congestion on election day.
According to Ifogah, the decision to create split polling units was made in response to the high number of registered voters in certain locations, specifically those exceeding 1,250 voters. These split units were designed to facilitate smoother voting experiences by keeping them within a short distance of the original polling places. He emphasized, “The split units are located just a few meters away from the original polling units within the same premises.”
Despite the commission’s efforts, Ifogah acknowledged that some voters experienced challenges in finding their designated polling units. To address these issues, INEC displayed the voter register at designated centers and split polling units four days prior to the area council elections. This initiative aimed to allow voters ample time to verify their details and polling locations.
To further assist voters, INEC sent out text messages and emails on February 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2023, informing them of the specific locations of their split polling units. Ifogah noted that these messages served as reminders to help voters identify their current polling units, ensuring they were well-informed before election day.
On the day of the elections, 45 percent of polling units opened for voting promptly at 08:30, with all polling units confirmed to be operational by 10:00. The commission’s Election Operations Dashboard provided oversight on these activities, showcasing INEC’s commitment to a smooth electoral process.
The clarifications from INEC aim to reassure the public about the integrity of the voting process and to dispel any misconceptions regarding the management of polling units during the FCT elections.
