In Nigeria, voters have only a few days left to collect their voter cards for the February 25 poll. The deadline is set for this Monday, January 29; it has already been postponed for two weeks by the electoral commission. However, thousands of Nigerians are still waiting for their card to become available.
With our correspondent in Lagos, Liza Fabbian
There are several hundred queuing in the courtyard of the center of the Eti Osa electoral commission, in Lagos. Collecting a voter’s card is an obstacle course, says Anthony: ” I’ve been here twice already; this is the third time. First I was told to go somewhere else. I waited a while for them to check everything, and they couldn’t find my electoral card. So I came back here but they tell me to go somewhere else again. I went there, but there was nothing. So I’m here again but they still don’t have it. »
In previous elections, Monica never managed to get her electoral card in time: I was never able to vote because I was never given my card! It tired me out, and so I decided to change polling stations. Because I want to participate in these elections! I want to exercise my right to vote! It’s all demoralizing. »
” That’s it, I made it! »
More than nine million new voters have registered on the lists, 76% of whom are under 34 years old. For the first time in his life, Chidera, 31, will be able to vote: “ Today is the fourth time I’ve come here, and that’s it, I made it! I’m so happy ! So happy ! But there are many people without an electoral map. These are wasted votes. »
Several civil society organizations have called for the deadline for collecting electoral cards to be further extended by the Nigerian Electoral Commission.
►Also read : Central Nigeria: herders angry after 30 dead in explosion