THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State Wednesday received additional 809 Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines for distribution to areas where the on-going voter registration exercise is yet to begin.

The state resident electoral commissioner, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukaogu had told reporters on Tuesday that 628 registration units had not got machines, but expressed optimism that the materials would be received today.

A statement issued by the INEC public relations officer in the state, Mr. Frank Egbo said: "809 outstanding Direct Data Capture, DDC, machines and 809 battery packs have been received by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Anambra State, Awka, in the early hours of Wednesday, 26th January, 2011.

"This brings the total number of DDC machines in the state for the voter registration exercises to 4789. Thus, the full complement of DDC machines have been taken delivery of by INEC and will be deployed immediately to the 628 registration centres that were yet to commence voter registration in Anambra State."

He said that earlier in the week, INEC took delivery of additional 126 generating sets for the Registration Area Centres, RACs, in Anambra state, and 332 cartons of cold laminating films for the voters' cards, assuring the people that the materials would immediately be deployed into the field for enhanced services in the state.

He apologized to those who tried to register but experienced one hiccup or the other, adding that their problems were being resolved by INEC. "We are now positioned to serve Anambra State better," he stated.

The PRO urged members of the public to desist from inducing any registration official with money to assist them jump the queue, warning that doing so amounted to a breach of the electoral law.