The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for credible polls in the forthcoming general elections.
BVAS and IReV are innovations introduced by the electoral body to ensure the integrity and credibility of election results in Nigeria by guaranteeing transparent voter accreditation and real-time transmission of polling unit results.
The INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in a statement on Wednesday, said the commission was ready to deliver the most credible and transparent elections in 2023.
The statement read in part: “Once again, another general election is upon us, the 7th since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. Over the last 23 years, we have made steady progress in the twin areas of electoral reform and election administration. Although a lot of work still lies ahead, it is generally acknowledged that our elections are getting better and citizens’ confidence in the process is increasing.
“As I have said repeatedly, the Commission’s allegiance is to Nigeria. Our loyalty is to Nigerians who want free, fair, credible and verifiable elections supported by technology, which guarantees transparent accreditation and upload of polling unit results for citizens to view in real-time on election day.
“It is for these reasons that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) were introduced. There is no going back on the deployment of BVAS and IReV for the 2023 general election.”
The INEC chairman urged the electorate to participate in electoral activities including the collection of their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). He also appealed to political parties and their candidates to commit to peaceful campaigns.
“I seize this opportunity to call on all citizens to participate fully in all electoral activities, particularly the ongoing display of the Register of Voters for claims and objections, as well as the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). I also call on political parties and political leaders to conduct their campaigns peacefully, eschewing divisiveness, rancour and violence,” Prof. Yakubu stated.
