FCT, Abuja – The Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) has expressed its intent to permit eligible Nigerian voters to take part within the 2027 normal elections with out the necessity for a Everlasting Voter Card (PVC).
Nonetheless, INEC insists that this variation can solely take impact as soon as the mandatory authorized amendments are made to accommodate the shift away from the present PVC-only system.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whereas talking on Wednesday, April 23, in Abuja, famous that whereas the fee is keen to embrace technological advances within the electoral course of, it’s equally essential that legislative provisions are up to date to facilitate this variation.
The transfer to permit voting with out PVCs follows feedback made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu, in December 2024, throughout a quarterly consultative assembly with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Yakubu mentioned the rising position of expertise, notably the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), in streamlining the voting course of.
Yakubu confirmed that, whereas PVCs would nonetheless be legitimate for voters who possess them, INEC was exploring options, together with computer-generated slips or these downloaded from the fee’s web site, for voter accreditation in future elections.
He added that this shift would assist scale back prices, alleviate logistical burdens, and eradicate fraudulent practices, such because the shopping for and stealing of PVCs from voters, Punch reported.
Yakubu identified that by permitting voters to make use of computer-generated slips or downloadable accreditation paperwork, INEC may handle long-standing points associated to PVC assortment, together with the manipulation of voters by political operatives looking for to disenfranchise them.
The fee has been underneath strain to implement reforms that won’t solely make the electoral course of extra inclusive but in addition defend the integrity of elections.
The apply of manipulating PVC distribution has been a significant concern in earlier elections, with experiences of widespread voter disenfranchisement and electoral fraud.
Regardless of the optimistic outlook from INEC, Oyekanmi made it clear that any change within the voting process would require legislative backing, Vanguard reported.
He reiterated that the present authorized framework mandates using PVCs for voter accreditation, and as such, any proposal to maneuver away from this could require an modification to the regulation.
INEC’s proposal has garnered consideration from numerous stakeholders, together with political analysts, civil society organisations, and voter advocacy {groups}.
Many have welcomed the thought of creating voting extra accessible, however the subject of authorized reform stays a essential hurdle earlier than these adjustments might be applied.
In the meantime, NewsWatch.com.ng reported {that a} coalition of civil society organisations praised INEC for the credible and clear delineation of wards in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta state.
The group highlighted the method as a step towards correcting historic marginalisation and strengthening democratic illustration among the many Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities.
Additionally they urged all stakeholders to keep up peace and assist INEC’s continued dedication to transparency and inclusivity.
Supply: NewsWatch.com.ng
