The Abia State Government has declared Thursday a public holiday to allow residents to participate in the state’s ongoing voter registration drive.
The one-day holiday is “to enable those who are yet to take part in the exercise to do the needful in fulfilment of their civic rights and responsibilities,” a statement from the government said.
“To this end, all markets, schools, government and other public offices are to be closed to ensure full participation.”
The government believes that public participation in the state’s voter registration drive has been lower than expected.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is in charge of voter registration.
According to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, the country is now in the fourth quarter of the ongoing continuous voter registration (CVR) process, which was restarted on June 28 after being suspended for the 2019 general election.
However, the process has been hampered by issues such as invalid registrations.
Due to insecurity, INEC has also suspended voter registration in parts of Imo State.
As the 2023 general elections approach, the exercise assumes greater significance.