The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured that the announced opening of a new window for replacement of lost, damaged or mutilated voter cards is designed to enable people in these kinds of circumstances to have a chance to get back their cards.
“With the election drawing closer, the replacement exercise is expected to provide an opportunity for affected voters to regularise their voter identification documents ahead of the polls.
It is not a new registration of voters at all. No one will be issued a card afresh. Only those whose cards are lost or damaged would have replacements,” Pa Makan, Khan IEC spokesman told The Standard.
His assurances came after some people expressed suspicion over the exercise which they said should have ended with the recent supplementary voter registration.
The IEC said the new window for replacement of cards lost or damaged will run from November 1 to November 15, at all 10 IEC Election Offices across the country.
According to Election House, the replacement exercise will take place daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, including weekends, to ensure that eligible voters have sufficient time and opportunity to replace their voter cards.
The exercise covers voter cards issued during the 2021 General Voter Registration and the 2026 Supplementary Voter Registration exercises that have subsequently been lost, damaged or mutilated.
The Commission further clarified that applicants can visit any IEC office to have their cards replaced, regardless of the location where they originally registered.
It also emphasised that the replacement exercise will be conducted free of charge, urging eligible voters who have lost or damaged their cards to take advantage of the opportunity before the November 15 deadline.
The initiative forms part of the Commission’s preparations for the December 5 presidential election and its efforts to facilitate voter participation in the electoral process.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the Commission assured the general public and all stakeholders of its determination to deliver a transparent and inclusive presidential election.
