The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established an online portal as part of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. This portal, which can be accessed at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org, is designed to make the voter registration process more convenient and efficient. It is not a complete online registration, but rather a "pre-registration" tool that allows you to provide your personal information before visiting a physical registration center.

The portal offers a range of services beyond new voter registration, including:

Voter Information Review: For registered voters to update their details and upload their photo.

Transfer of Voting Location: To change your polling unit if you have moved.

Information Update: To correct or update information on your voter's card.

Replacement of Lost/Damaged PVC: To apply for a new Permanent Voter's Card (PVC).

Checking PVC Collection Status: To find out if your PVC is ready and where to pick it up.

How to Pre-Register for Various Options

The online pre-registration process is a crucial first step for new voters and a convenient way for existing voters to manage their details. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Visit the Portal: Go to the official INEC Continuous Voter Registration portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/.

Get Started: Click on the "Get started" button to begin the process.

Choose Your Option: The portal will present you with several options. Select the one that applies to you:

"New Voter Pre-Registration": If you have never registered to vote before.

"Voter Information Review": If you are a registered voter who needs to review or update your information.

"Transfers": If you want to change your voting location.

"Information Update": If you need to update personal information on your voter's card.

"Lost or Damaged PVC": If you need to request a replacement.

Create an Account: For new users, you will be required to create a personal user portal with your name, mobile number, email, and a password.

 Fill in Your Details: Complete the online form with all the required personal data and information. The portal may also capture your passport photograph.

Schedule an Appointment: After filling out your information, you will be able to choose an appointment date to visit a physical registration center.

Generate Your Slip: Once you have completed the online form and selected your appointment date, generate and print the registration slip. This slip is essential for the next step.

What Happens After the Online Pre-Registration

Online pre-registration is only the first part of the process. The second and final step is a physical visit to a designated registration center.

Visit the Registration Center: On your scheduled appointment date, go to the INEC registration center you selected during the online process. These are typically located at INEC State and Local Government Offices.

Biometric Data Capture: At the center, you will present your pre-registration slip to the INEC officials. They will then capture your biometric data, including your fingerprints and possibly a new photograph if needed. This step is crucial for completing your registration.

Qe1 Your Temporary Voter's Card (TVC): After your biometrics are successfully captured and the process is complete, a Temporary Voter's Card (TVC) will be printed and issued to you.

Wait for Your PVC: The TVC is a temporary document. You will need to wait for your Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) to be produced. INEC will make a public announcement when the PVCs are ready for collection.

Collect Your PVC: When the PVCs are available, you must pick up your card in person at the designated collection center. Collection by proxy is not allowed. The INEC portal also has a feature that allows you to check the status of your PVC and find its collection location.

A Vital Scenario You Must Pay Attention To 

Scene: A voter whose card is lost, picked review information as option during CVR registration, will a card be produced for him?

Fact and Way Out: This is a very important distinction to make when using the INEC portal. The answer is no, a voter cannot make an amendment on the portal after submitting a "review information" application if their primary purpose was to replace a lost card.

Here's a breakdown of why:

The INEC portal is designed with specific services in mind, and a user must select the correct option for their needs. The two options are fundamentally different:

"Voter Information Review" or "Revalidation": This option is for registered voters who need to update their information, such as adding a new photo, or revalidating their existing details on the database. This process is generally for voters who still have their PVC but may have had issues with facial recognition or want to update their information. It is not designed to trigger a new PVC issuance for a lost card.

"Lost or Damaged PVC": This is the correct and specific option for a voter who has lost their Permanent Voter's Card. When a voter selects this option, it initiates a different process entirely. The system recognizes the need to re-issue a PVC and will guide the user through the steps for a replacement.

What happens to the voter in this scenario?

If a voter with a lost card mistakenly chose "Voter Information Review" and submitted the application, they will not be able to get a new PVC from that process. The system will likely just update their record and a new card won't be printed.

The next steps for the voter would be:

 Go back to the INEC Portal: The voter must return to the INEC portal.

Select the correct option: They need to log in to their account and properly choose the "Lost or Damaged PVC" option.

Follow the new instructions: This will lead them through the correct process for requesting a replacement, which will eventually culminate in them being able to collect a new PVC.

The INEC portal is designed to be a streamlined system, and choosing the right option from the beginning is critical to a successful application.