13th December 2024
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that computer-generated slips will replace Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) for voter accreditation.
According to INEC, this move will not only reduce costs but also eliminate issues surrounding PVC collection and the illegal practice of buying PVCs to disenfranchise voters.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this announcement at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, stating that existing PVC holders can still use their cards to vote.
Yakubu emphasized that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) necessitates a review of the PVC’s role in voter accreditation.
Yiaga Africa has expressed support for INEC’s proposal, citing its potential to address voter disenfranchisement caused by PVC distribution delays or challenges.
Yakubu also revealed that INEC will soon present its recommendations to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, focusing on detailed planning and reform following the 2023 General Election.
The commission has identified 142 recommendations for improvement, covering areas such as voter management, election technology, and electoral offenses.
Yakubu stated that 86 recommendations require administrative action from INEC, while 48 require action from various stakeholders, including security agencies and political parties.
Additionally, eight recommendations necessitate legislative action from the National Assembly.
INEC proposes to implement early voting for officials, security personnel, and journalists deployed outside their registered voting areas.
The commission also recommends diaspora voting, the establishment of an electoral offenses tribunal, and a separate agency for political party registration and regulation.
Furthermore, INEC intends to develop protocols for cleaning up the voter register in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC).
The commission will also focus on voter access, distribution to polling units, and combating fake news and misinformation through robust voter education and public communication.
Hardcopies of the general election and review reports will be made available to the public, while softcopies will be uploaded to INEC’s website.
