INEC insists on e-transmission of results to ensure electoral justice
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results will be strictly adhered to in the 2023 ballot to prevent rigging, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has reiterated.
He gave the assurance at a workshop INEC organised in Lagos for its press corps members on the Electoral Act 2022 and on INEC processes, innovations, and preparations for the 2023 general election.
Yakubu was dousing concern expressed earlier this month by the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) which alleged secret plans by politicians to stop BVAS and e-transmission of results to enable them rig the vote.
CUPP also alleged a lawsuit has been filed at the Owerri Federal High Court to perfect the plot.
Yakubu, represented by INEC National Commissioner and Information and Voter Education Committee Chairman, Festus Okoye, insisted the goal of INEC is electoral justice to ensure voters have electoral fulfilment.
He pledged INEC would continue to use technology to improve and enhance the credibility of elections.
“The Commission is conscious that a credible voter register is a basic requirement for the conduct of a credible election. We have therefore devoted time and energy to cleaning up of the voter register using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).
“This process is almost finalized and the Commission will engage with stakeholders relating to its findings before displaying the register for claims and objections as required by law.
“Furthermore, the Commission is working out a protocol for seamless collection of Permanent Voters Cards [PVCs] by valid registrants.
“I want to assure Nigerians that the Commission will deploy and continue to deploy appropriate technology for the conduct of elections.
“The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IreV) will be deployed for the conduct of the 2023 general election.
“We will continue to use technology to improve and enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria. Our goal is electoral justice where every Nigerian will experience electoral fulfilment.”
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Constitutional and legal provisions
Yakubu urged all the 18 registered political parties to study the Constitution, the Electoral Act, the Police Act and the Public Order Act to properly conduct campaigns, rallies, and processions which officially begin on 28 September.
He said, by law, a political campaign or slogan should not contain abusive language directly or indirectly that is likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal or sectional feelings, per reporting by The Guardian.
“Let me also remind the media of their constitutional and legal obligations. State apparatus, including the media, shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election.
“In other words, equal coverage and visibility shall be allotted to all political parties by all public print and electronic media organisations.
“The same applies in equal measure to privately owned media organisations subject to payment of appropriate fees.
Electoral process enters critical phase
“As I have pointed out, the Commission has entered the critical phase in the electoral process. As of today, the Commission has undertaken 8 out of the 14 items on the Calendar and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election.
“On September 20, 2022, the Commission released the Final List of Candidates standing nominated for National Elections (Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates, Senatorial and House of Representative Candidates).
“On October 4, 2022, the Commission will release the Final List of candidates standing nominated in relation to State Elections (Governorship, Deputy Governorship and State Assemblies).
“On September 28, 2022, Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will start while that of Governorship and State Assembly candidates will start on October 12, 2022.
“The Commission will continue to adhere to set timelines in carrying out its activities.”
Yakubu described the workshop as timely as preparations for the election, which is just 152 days away, have reached an advanced and critical stage.
“It is therefore important for the media, especially the INEC Press Corps, to have a good knowledge and understanding of the workings and operations of the Commission.
“This is necessary for an informed and balanced coverage of the Commission’s activities and the dissemination of information to the general public.”
