The distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) which began on Friday in 11 states, including the FCT, took off smoothly in Anambra and the turnout of prospective voters was impressive.

The Anambra Government declared Friday work free-day for the civil servants in the state to enable them to participate in the exercise.

At Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, several prospective voters had collected their cards as early as 10.30 a.m.

At Ndiowu Community in Orumba North Local Government Area, women came out for the exercise.

One of them, Mrs Ijeoma Nwafor, said that she was lucky to be the first woman to obtain her card in the community.

She expressed readiness to exercise her civic rights in future elections, especially the 2015 general polls.

At ward 1 in Enugwu-ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, a prospective voter, Mr John Okeke, said that INEC officials, who handled the exercise, came out early to attend to the people.

Mr Val Ayika, who represents Njikoka I constituency in the state House of Assembly, said he was impressed with the preparation and turnout of the electorate and INEC officials.

He urged those who were unable to collect their cards on Friday, to come on Saturday and Sunday for the exercise.

He urged voters, who had reached 18 years after the last registration, to turn up between Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 to register and collect their voter cards. (NAN)