The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a three-day extension of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State, shifting the closing date from July 17 to July 20.

The decision was made during the commission’s weekly meeting held at INEC Headquarters in Abuja, according to a press statement issued on Thursday, July 17, in Awka by Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

Olumekun explained that the extension came in response to numerous appeals from citizens and stakeholders requesting additional time to complete their voter registration. He noted the commission’s satisfaction with the peaceful conduct and high turnout across all 326 registration centres in the state.

INEC revealed that within the first nine days of the exercise, a total of 96,085 new potential voters were registered, averaging over 10,600 registrations per day. Additionally, 12,595 applications were received for the transfer of voter registration, while 7,061 applications were submitted for updates or replacements of damaged or lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Preliminary data shows strong participation from women and youth. Of the newly registered voters, 56,017 (58%) are female, and 50,429 (52.48%) fall within the youth demographic, aged 18 to 34.

Following the end of registration, INEC will publish a preliminary register for public scrutiny, allowing for claims and objections in accordance with the Electoral Act. The data will then undergo a clean-up process using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), after which a final demographic breakdown will be released.

Olumekun also disclosed that the commission has received five new letters of intent from associations seeking to become registered political parties, bringing the total number of such applications to 134. Information on these applications, including proposed names, acronyms, logos, addresses, and interim leadership, has been made publicly available via INEC’s official platforms.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and timely communication as preparations continue for the Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8.