The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed the use of computer-generated voting slips for individuals without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in future elections. This recommendation follows the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which is seen as a more efficient means of voter accreditation. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, shared these insights during a quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.
Yakubu outlined that PVCs should no longer be the sole means of identification for voting. Those with PVCs can still use them, but moving forward, computer-generated slips or those downloaded from the INEC website will also be accepted for voter accreditation. This measure is expected to cut costs and address challenges surrounding PVC distribution, including the illegal practice of buying PVCs to disenfranchise voters.
In addition, Yakubu highlighted the release of a comprehensive 524-page report on the 2023 general elections, which includes 142 recommendations. These cover areas such as voter management, electoral operations, political party regulation, election security, and the electoral legal framework. Of the recommendations, 86 require administrative action by INEC, while 48 involve various stakeholders, including security agencies, civil society groups, and the media. Eight recommendations require legislative actions by the National Assembly.
Other recommendations include early voting for essential workers, diaspora voting, the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal, and the improvement of voter access to polling units. INEC is also set to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to clean up the voters’ register.
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