By Dennis Agbo

ABAKALIKI—Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, may use the much criticised old register for the 2011 general elections, if it is unable to compile a new register before the proposed January 2011 elections, Ebonyi State Resident Electoral Commissioner,REC, Dr. Humphrey Nwangele, said yesterday.

Dr. Nwangele made the disclosure in Abakaliki when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Martin Elechi.

According to him, “it is already common knowledge that INEC will produce a fresh electronic voter’s register between late October and early November 2010, but if the new voters register is not feasible, the commission would rely on the old voter register to conduct the 2011 general election.”

He affirmed that the 2011 general election would be conducted in January next year, soliciting for the support of the state government in the sensitization and enlightenment of the citizenry on the importance of participation in voters’ registration exercise and the election.

The new Resident Electoral Commissioner also attributed the persistent voter apathy witnessed in the country’s general elections to high level of illiteracy in the country and assured of consisted effort by the commission to address the problem. 

He assured of the commission’s determination to conduct credible, free and fair 2011 general election, adding that he would ensure a level playing ground to all political parties in the state.

Nwangele advised that to ensure that people with questionable character were not voted into power and also ensure good governance, people must avail themselves of the opportunity of registering during the fresh electronic voter register and ensure that they cast their votes during the forthcoming general elections.

“I appeal to your Excellency to bring your influence to bear on the stakeholders and others to show commitment to the sensitization and mobilization of our otherwise reluctant electorates to troop out and exercise this all important civic obligation. The ownership of a voter’s card is the only passport to any election in the country,” he said.