The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of voting hours in various regions of Edo State for the 2024 elections. Learn more about the new voting schedule and its impact on the electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has prolonged the voting period for the Edo governorship election in areas where the process started late. Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, noted that while many polling units opened on time, some locations experienced delays.

The Commission’s statement emphasized that monitoring from their situation room at the National Headquarters in Abuja showed a mix of early and late starts. To prevent voter disenfranchisement, INEC reiterated that, according to their Regulations and Guidelines, voting will be extended in areas that had a late start. The process will continue until every voter in the queue by 2:30 pm has cast their vote.

INEC has also directed its office in Edo State to ensure that adequate power supply is provided at the affected Polling Units or Ward Collation Centres using backup generators.

This extension follows a report by Channels Television highlighting the late arrival of INEC officials at several polling units, including the one for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo.