The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it will commence the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide on August 18, 2025, including in Ondo State, where there is a total of 295,856 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) that are yet to be collected.

This is part of the efforts to ensure broader electoral participation ahead of future polls, Resident Electoral Officer in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, said in a chat with journalists on Tuesday at the headquarters of the commission in Akure, the state capital, on the preparation for the forthcoming continuous voter registration exercise.

Babalola, however, stated that 1,757,205 PVCs had been collected as 2,053,061 voters had already registered with the commission.

According to her, voter registration was a critical aspect of any democratic process as it serves as the gateway to electoral participation and the primary means through which eligible citizens are enfranchised.

“The commission has approved the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise nationwide. Online pre-registration will start on the 18th August 2025, while the In-person registration will follow on the 25th August 2025.

“The primary objective of the forthcoming CVR exercise is to provide opportunities for the following categories of citizens. Citizens who have just attained the age of 18 and others who are eligible to register.

“Those who were unable to register during previous exercises. Citizens who intend to transfer their registration from one location to another.

“Voters who had issues during accreditation at the previous election. Registered voters who require an update to their data. Citizens with defaced, damaged or lost PVC.

“Data of registered voters in the state include total registered voters, 2,053,061, the PVCs collected 1,757,205, while a total of 295,856 is uncollected,” she said.

The REC noted that the CVR exercise would continue until August 2026; however, it will be temporarily stopped in December 2025 to facilitate the harvesting and processing of data collected from August to December 2025.

The INEC boss expressed the commission’s unwavering commitment to transparency, professionalism, and inclusivity throughout the registration process.

“We remain dedicated to strengthening our partnership with the media. We will continue to provide you with timely access to information as we improve our communication channels with you for the success of the CVR,” Babalola added.