INEC to test card readers in 54 Kano polling units

IN efforts to certify the credibility of its card readers ahead of the general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has designated 54 polling units for Saturday’s field test exercise of the biometric machines.

   INEC selected two states in each of the six geopolitical zones across the country for field test of the biometric card readers slated for March 7th.    Kano and Kebbi states were selected for North West geopolitical zone.

   Addressing stakeholders at the state headquarters of the commission yesterday, Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi stated that 54 card readers would be put to test during the mock poll scheduled to hold at Danmaliki ward in Kumbotso local council between 8.am to 1.pm.

   Despite the growing concern on the credibility of the biometric card reader, particular from some political parties, the REC insisted that tomorrow’s field test would afford the commission the chance to practically demonstrate the workability of the machines for 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 council, a semi-urban area. The commission will make use of 27,127 registered voters in the ward. And as far as personnel are concerned, we would make use of one SPO, 32 PO and 184 APOs for the exercise.

   “We have also arranged for 162 security personnel, 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 PVC collection while its has taken delivery of 11,258 card readers.

   He warned registered voters to be cautious of the safety of their PVC and resist any attempt to disposes them of the card, while reassuring INEC’s commitment to conduct credible poll in the state.

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