By Denen Achussah
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is reviewing its 2018 framework for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) voting to enable more IDPs to fully participate in the 2023 general elections.
Benue State INEC Administrative Secretary, Mr Shehu Abdulwahab, disclosed this in Makurdi during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting on the implementation of the INEC voting framework for IPDs organised by Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiatives (CLHEI), with support from National Democratic Institute funded by USAID and UKaid on IDPs participation in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Mr. Abdulwahab also stated that the commission in collaboration with relevant stakeholders hopes to improve on the framework to make it much easier for IDPs to vote in 2023 such as moving polling units from crisis point to safe spaces where the IDPs can vote, emphasising that INEC is open to suggestions from interested parties.
The Benue State INEC Administrative Secretary further expressed regret on the 36 per cent cases of multiple registration recorded in the state saying only those who have never registered before should come forward, while those with cases of defaced or lost PVC should truthfully provide such information.
Mr. Abughul Terngu, an IDP CVR champion, at the event suggested that the new framework should make provision for IDPs to be recruited as ad-hoc staff during the elections.
Executive Director of CLHEI, Dr Helen Teghtegh, thanked INEC for its sincere and passionate efforts so far in ensuring that the IDPs are being registered in their numbers and expressed hope for improved collaboration from all the relevant stakeholders.
Mr Cyprain Tsenongo of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), earlier revealed that there are about 1.5 million IDPs currently in Benue state of which only 20 per cent are in camps while the remaining 80 per cent are living in host communities in 21 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
The one-day event had in attendance INEC electoral officers from the concerned local governments, representatives from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), IDPs camp chairmen, IDP CVR champions as well as the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
