The Independent National Electoral Commission has the power to prepare and maintain the register of

Analyze the question: The question asks what INEC is empowered to prepare and maintain a register of.

Explain the concept: INEC is established by Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Its powers and functions are in Part I of the Third Schedule. They include:

• Organizing, undertaking and supervising all elections.
• Registering political parties.
• Monitoring the organization and operation of political parties, including their finances.
• Delimiting constituencies.
• Arranging for the registration of persons qualified to vote and preparing, maintaining and revising the register of voters for any election.

The Electoral Act also gives INEC the duty to prepare and maintain the Register of Voters.

Solution, option by option:

• A. Electoral candidates: INEC receives and publishes candidates' nominations, but it does not keep a "register" of them.
• B. Voters: This matches the constitutional wording exactly: "preparing, maintaining and revising the register of voters."
• C. Political parties: INEC registers political parties, but the phrase "prepare and maintain the register" is tied to voters in the constitution.
• D. Constituencies: INEC delimits constituencies (draws boundaries) rather than keeping a register of them.

Answer: The correct option is B. voters.

Exam tip: Match the verb to the noun:

• Register → voters
• Registration → political parties
• Delimit → constituencies
• Conduct → elections

If you see "register" with "prepare, maintain, revise," think voters.