With the signing of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Bimodal Voter Registration System, (BVAS), coupled with other strict measures launched by the commission, rigging has been completely murdered, ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has said.
The INEC National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said this at a breakfast seminar, organised by Christian Mens Fellowship, St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, in Abuja. The Commission also expressed optimism that the 2023 general elections would not reek of corrupt practices but would be free, fair and credible.
The Chairman, who was represented by the Deputy Director voters, Voter Education Provider, Election Monitoring/Observation, Chukwuemeka Ugbaoja, said strict and lucid measures would be employed to ascertain the authenticity of results.
He said: With the Electoral Act 2022, we have murdered rigging of elections in this country, and we have buried it. There is no way anybody can vote two times in this country again; it is not possible. The machine is there; you bring your voters card, they match it to the machine – because your name and particulars have been configured into that machine. The card is placed side-by-side with the machine and your particulars would come up; and if your details did not come up, it means you dont belong to that particular unit”.
He explained further: Now, suppose it comes up and your fingerprints did not show up, and/or your facial did not come up, which means it strayed into that machine, you will not vote; but as you put your fingerprints and it marks ‘good’, the machine records you. If your finger print fails, they will take your photograph, and the moment the machine is placed before you, it records that you are the authentic owner of the card and youll be given a ballot to vote.
He, however, warned political parties and all other stakeholders with ulterior motives during the elections to desist as any suspicious move may attract severe consequences.
On his part, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Alkali Baba Usman, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Bode Ajajuni, said: the Nigerian Police Force and other security stakeholders will exhibit professionalism and impartiality to ensure a free, fair and credible election, 2023.
