In a renewed effort to strengthen electoral processes in Plateau State, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to closer collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

This assurance was given during a courtesy visit to PLASIEC headquarters in Jos by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Plateau State, Mallam Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq, who was accompanied by senior INEC officials. They were received by the PLASIEC Chairman, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, and his management team.

Describing the visit as a strategic step toward institutional synergy, Hon. Cishak stated that both commissions play vital roles at different tiers of Nigeria’s electoral system and must work hand-in-hand to improve democratic outcomes.

“We are excited about this renewed partnership. INEC and PLASIEC are sister agencies, and we believe that through collaboration, we can build institutions that truly reflect the will of the people through credible elections,” Cishak said.

He commended the REC’s track record, noting that his transition from the INEC system into a leadership role was an asset for the state’s electoral development. He also highlighted internal reforms within PLASIEC, including efforts to upgrade infrastructure, build institutional capacity, and restore public trust.

One key innovation, according to Cishak, is the development of a Voter Verification System (VVS)—a homegrown digital solution aimed at improving voter accreditation during local elections. Although still facing some technical challenges, the system, he said, has great potential if supported by the state government and technical partners.

The PLASIEC Chairman also raised concerns about voter participation, particularly the issue of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He called for collaboration with INEC to facilitate the distribution of these cards and ensure they serve their intended purpose.

“We must work together to make sure that PVCs produced for citizens do not lie idle in offices. PLASIEC is ready to support any drive aimed at boosting PVC collection,” he stated.

Cishak further used the opportunity to advocate for constitutional amendments to address constituency imbalances, citing Jos North as a case in point. With over 800 polling units and only one state constituency, he described the disparity as unfair and potentially disruptive during elections.

He concluded by appealing for INEC’s support in areas such as technical training, capacity building, and broader electoral reforms, reiterating PLASIEC’s readiness to conduct credible and transparent local government elections.

In his remarks, REC Mallam Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq acknowledged PLASIEC as a key partner in deepening democratic governance at the grassroots level. He emphasized that while INEC operates at the federal and state levels, PLASIEC’s work at the local level is no less critical.

“We have a common mandate to ensure credible elections—INEC at the federal and state level, and PLASIEC at the grassroots. Our functions are complementary,” he said.

The REC explained that the visit was part of efforts to establish formal engagement with stakeholders following his recent deployment to Plateau State. He stressed the importance of dialogue and institutional coordination for effective electoral planning.

Mallam Sadiq also announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Plateau State will begin on August 18, 2025. The process will kick off with a digital pre-enrollment phase, enabling eligible registrants to initiate their registration online before completing biometric capture at designated centers from August 25.

“A platform will be made available for eligible registrants to begin the process online. Then, from August 25, they can visit designated centers with their registration slip for biometric capture and final enrollment,” he explained.

Both commissions ended the meeting by reaffirming their shared vision for electoral transparency and inclusiveness, setting a cooperative tone ahead of the CVR exercise and future electoral activities in the state.