Newscenter Media News The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recommended the use of computer-generated voting slips for individuals without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in future elections.
This proposal was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during the quarterly consultative meeting with Residents Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, on Thursday.
Yakubu emphasized that PVCs should no longer be the sole requirement for voting, particularly with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). “The use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed,” Yakubu stated.
He noted that the commission has consulted extensively with its officials and major stakeholders, and has identified 142 recommendations for improvement.
“We have consulted widely with our officials and externally with all major stakeholders. We have also released our 524-page main report on the 2023 general election,” Yakubu said.
Read Also: Outrage as Reps react to another defection by Labour Party lawmaker
These recommendations cover various aspects of the electoral process, including voter management, voter education, and election technology. Yakubu stated that 86 of these recommendations require administrative action by the commission, while 48 require action from other stakeholders, including security agencies and political parties.
One of the major highlights of the commission’s recommendations is the need for legal clarity in result management, particularly regarding manual transfer versus electronic transmission of results. Yakubu emphasized that this is crucial for the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Commission also believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed,” he said.
Instead, the commission proposes the use of computer-generated slips issued to voters or downloaded from the commission’s website. This, according to Yakubu, will not only save costs but also eliminate issues surrounding PVC collection and the practice of buying up cards to disenfranchise voters.
“Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the Commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation,” Yakubu explained.
The review report also contains recommendations on early/special voting for Nigerians who do not vote due to their roles during elections, such as INEC officials and security personnel. Additionally, the commission supports diaspora voting, the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal, and a separate agency to handle political party registration and regulation.
Yakubu concluded by stating that the commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to polling units. “The Commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to polling units,” he said.
The post INEC proposes computer-generated voting slips for future elections appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.