INEC proposes digital voting slips as PVC alternative

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) should no longer be the sole requirement for voting in future elections.

Instead, the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has led the commission to recommend using computer-generated voting slips for voter accreditation, particularly for individuals without PVCs.

Speaking during a quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Thursday in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, shared that the commission had conducted a thorough review of the 2023 general election and subsequent off-cycle governorship and bye-elections.

This review resulted in 142 recommendations aimed at enhancing the electoral process.

Yakubu emphasized the significance of these recommendations, which address critical areas such as voter management, election operations, public communication, security, and the legal framework.

Out of the 142 recommendations, 86 require INEC’s administrative action, while 48 call for collaboration with key stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and civil society organizations.

Yakubu said, “This is followed by 48 recommendations that require action by a variety of stakeholders, including security agencies, mobile network operators, statutory bodies, political parties, transport unions, civil society organisations, and the media.

“On the legal review, there are eight recommendations that require legislative actions by the National Assembly. Very soon, the Commission will make a presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters as they continue to deliberate on electoral reform.

“Among the major highlights of the Commission’s recommendations is the imperative of legal clarity in result management with regard to manual transfer versus the electronic transmission of results.

“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.

“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. This will not only save costs; it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters in order to disenfranchise them.”

The report also includes suggestions for early voting for essential workers, such as journalists, INEC officials, and security personnel, as well as exploring the possibility of diaspora voting.

Other reforms proposed include the creation of an electoral offences tribunal and a dedicated agency for regulating political party registration.

“The review report also contains recommendations on early/special voting for the millions of Nigerians who do not vote at the moment on account of the roles they play during elections, such as INEC officials, security personnel, ad hoc staff, observers, and journalists who are deployed outside the places where they registered to vote.

“There are also recommendations in support of diaspora voting, the unbundling of the Commission with the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal, and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties. Similarly, the Commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to polling units,” he added.

Yakubu revealed plans to improve voter access by partnering with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to streamline the voters’ register. Additionally, the commission will promote affirmative action to boost participation among underrepresented groups and intensify efforts to tackle misinformation through enhanced voter education initiatives.

INEC also intends to optimize its logistics operations, drawing lessons from previous elections, to ensure more efficient processes in future polls.

“In addition, the Commission plans to reassess strategies for effectively implementing logistics agreements with transport unions and other service providers. This will build on the recent success in early deployments and the timely commencement of elections, as seen in the Ondo State Governorship election,” Yakubu concluded.