Officials explained that some voters only discover problems with their registration on polling day instead of checking their details during the voter verification period.
“If somebody is affected, how would that person know?” one lawmaker asked, raising concerns that some voters may only realise there is a problem when they arrive to cast their ballots.
Responding, IEC officials said the commission provides opportunities for voters to check whether their names appear on the register and to confirm their assigned polling stations before elections.
According to the commission, many of the complaints received are linked to people who fail to verify their information in advance, while others may not know the polling station where they have been assigned.
Officials stressed that voter verification remains an important part of the electoral process, saying it allows citizens to identify and report issues before polling day.
The discussion also touched on newly registered voters, with the commission urging them to confirm that their names have been correctly captured on the register and that their details are accurate.
Committee members questioned how affected voters would know if they had been left off the register without being informed beforehand. They also sought clarification on the steps available for those who discover discrepancies in their registration details.
In response, IEC officials maintained that the verification exercise is designed to help voters identify such issues early and ensure they are addressed before elections.
The commission insisted that isolated complaints about missing names should not be mistaken for widespread flaws in the voters’ register, reiterating that public participation in the verification process is key to preventing last-minute disputes over voter eligibility ahead of the 2026 elections.
