INEC earmarks 54 polling units for Card Reader field test in Kano

Attained 94 per cent PVC Collection

IN a bid to certified the credibility of its card reader machines ahead of March and April general elections, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has designated 54 polling units for Saturday’s field test exercise of the biometric machines.

INEC has selected 2 states in each of the 6 geopolitical zones across the country for field test of the biometric card readers slated for Saturday 7th March. Kano and Kebbi States were selected for North west geopolitical zone.

Addressing stakeholders at the state headquarters Thursday, Kano resident electoral commissioner, Alh. Mukaila Abdullahi, posited that 54 card readers would be put to test during the mock poll scheduled to hold at Danmaliki ward in Kumbotso local government area between 8am to 1pm.

Despite the growing concern on the credibility of the biometric card reader, particular from some political parties, the Kano resident commissioner insisted that Saturday field test would afford the commission to practically demonstrate the workability of the machines voter voter accreditation process using the permanent voter cards.

Abdullahi noted that” Arrangement has been concluded for the field test in Danmaliki ward in Kumbotso local government a semi- urban area. The commission wil make use of 27, 127 registered voters in the ward. And as far as personal is concern we would make use of one SPO, 32 PO and 184 APO s for the exercise.

“We have also arranged for 162 security personal three of which would man  each polling unit. Each polling unit will have one card reader and the objective is to test workability and durability of the machines. Also the process will enable INEC allay the fear of voting public on the use of the card reader in the forthcoming elections and identify any possible challenge during the process”. Abdullah explained.

The INEC boss said Kano has attained 94 per cent success in the PVC collection while its has equally taken delivery of 11,258 card readers in Kano.

He warned registered voters to be cautious of the safety of their PVC and resist any attempt by unscrupulous element to disposed them of the card while reassuring INEC commitment to conduct credible poll in Kano.

Kano State commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who was represented by Assistant commissioner Usman Danbako who assured the gathering that Police is prepared to deploy men and officers to each of the polling unit unarmed.

He warn that Police would not hesitate to enforce necessary action against any voter intended to perpetrate mayhem during the poll.

 The stakeholders meeting was attended by representatives of the political parties, members of the civil society, religion and traditional leaders and security agencies.