The ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise in Anambra State earlier this week kicked off amidst minor technical glitches at the various ward centres.
TNC Correspondent in Anambra, who monitored the exercise reports that the exercise, which was billed to commence on the 8th and end on the 17th of July, 2025, did not start in some locations until Thursday, 10th.
Also, some major challenges experienced stemmed from very poor operating network for the data capturing machines, low turnout of registrants, as well as late arrival of INEC adhoc staff used for the exercise.
At Uruokwe ward, Enugwu-Ukwu, and some other areas visited, the INEC staff battled with the network, as prospective voters shared a hotspot to enable the machines work.
At Achina Ward One, Mgbakwu Ward One and Nando Ward One, there were system malfunctions, resulting in voters spending hours without accomplishing any form of registration.
It was however, later gathered that the machines were eventually fixed.
According to a registrant at Enugwu-Ukwu, Chief James Nworah, it is worrisome that despite the whole noise about INEC being prepared for the exercise, the process could still be marred by such technical glitches.
He said if the nation must get its electoral processes right, the voter registration exercise should be smooth and effective.
Another registrant, Manuel Ibekwe at Mgbakwu, who came with the complaint that his details did not appear on the comprehensive voters’ list for the centre, despite completing the registration process during the last in the state, said the development can demoralize citizens from participating in the elections.
“During the last CVR, I applied for the transfer of my voting credentials to Mgbakwu to enable me to vote here, since I have been transferred here. I also did the same for my wife and aging parents.
“Unfortunately, on the election day, we came with our cards but were told that our names were not on the voters’ register.
“It was an unsavoury experience for us, as we were denied our rights to vote,” he lamented.
Also, a civil rights leader in the state, Vincent Okpalaezeukwu, who monitored the exercise, expressed concerns over the turnout.
He called on political parties and politicians to mobilize their followers to participate in the exercise, while urging the INEC to address every challenge that may mar the process.
