By Charles Kumolu

For those living with disabilities and senior citizens, the previous challenges encountered in the process of voting have been addressed and may not occur this time.

For the 2015 general polls, the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, has directed its officials including ad-hoc staff, to accord them priority.

The encompassing initiative was taken into consideration so as to conform with all known global practices.

In this regard, the commission produced a manual in brail for the visually impaired, in order to avail them with voting information.

How to replace lost or damaged PVCIn the event that the most sought after electoral material in

Nigeria, Permanent Voters’ Card, PVC, is misplaced or damaged before the general election, having a replacement before the exercise may not be possible.

According to the INEC, application for a replacement can only be accepted 30 days before an election.

Electoral officer

FILE PHOTO: INEC OFFICIAL CHECKING THE THUMB OF A PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED VOTER, DURING THE TESTING OF SMART CARD READER AT HORARE WARD AND JOGEL POLLING UNIT IN JAMA,ARE LGA OF BAUCHI STATE.

Considering that the polls are around the corner, anyone who misplaces or damages his PVC would not vote.

The prospective voter as gathered, shall apply in person to the Electoral Officer or any other officer duly authorized for that purpose by the Resident Electoral Commissioner.

Other steps expected to be taken are as follows: The applicant shall state the circumstances of the loss or damage, he shall be issued with another copy of his original voters card, the word “DUPLICATE” will be marked or printed on it clearly. The date of issue will also be printed on the new voters card.

Considering these processes which could be challenging to voters, INEC advised that it is important that a person keeps his card safely to prevent loss or damage.