The Complexities of Getting INEC-Produced PVCs Is a Major Impediment to Voter Participation in Nigeria – Mr Emmanuel Njoku
The challenges associated with obtaining Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Nigeria have been identified as a significant barrier to voter participation. Mr. Emmanuel Njoku, Director of Democracy and Governance at Connected Development (CODE), highlighted these complexities during a discussion on Electoral Reform Half Hour. Drawing from his extensive experience, Mr. Njoku explained that the current processes involved in acquiring PVCs are riddled with inefficiencies that discourage many Nigerians, particularly young people, from participating in elections.
Mr. Njoku noted that despite a growing enthusiasm for voting among young Nigerians, the multi-step procedure of registering, obtaining temporary voter cards, and later collecting permanent cards creates significant obstacles. For individuals who relocate, even within the same city, transferring polling units and PVCs is often cumbersome and discouraging. This issue is particularly problematic for Nigeria’s youth, who frequently move due to job changes, marriages, or NYSC postings, leaving them disenfranchised on election day.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Mr. Njoku drew attention to the high number of election workers, security personnel, and other individuals who were unable to vote. This group, numbering over two million, could not participate in the elections due to logistical challenges, such as being assigned to locations outside their registered polling units. He stressed that this figure is significant, especially when considering the narrow margin of victory in the presidential election.
Mr. Njoku expressed reservations about the practicality of implementing diaspora voting in Nigeria, citing the lack of reliable data and infrastructure necessary to manage such an initiative effectively. He argued that the country’s voter register needs a comprehensive audit before considering the inclusion of Nigerians abroad. Additionally, Mr. Njoku highlighted the potential complexities of defining eligibility for diaspora voting, given the diverse locations and circumstances of Nigerians living overseas. In his view, the focus should remain on improving existing processes, such as voter registration and PVC accessibility, before exploring the complexities of diaspora participation.