To deploy 1.4m ad hoc staff, print 500m ballot papers for 2023
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the Bimodal Voter Registration System (BVAS) is the most important asset of the commission; hence, it won’t entrust it to any individual or institution.
It also said it does not have the power to force any candidate contesting in an election to attend a debate.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated these, yesterday, during the quarterly consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja.
Disclosing that the commission will print about 500 million ballot papers for the over 93 million voters that will participate in the 2023 poll, Yakubu insisted that there is no going back on the use of BVAS for the election.
“The most sensitive material for the commission now is the BVAS. The device is even more important than the ballot papers and results sheet. INEC takes charge of BVAS and we won’t entrust the devices to anyone,” he stated.
On debate for candidates, Yakubu described debates as democratic rights that cannot be forced on any candidate.
He said: “I am not sure we can compel someone to attend debate. You cannot do that, even in most advanced countries. You cannot compel someone to do anything in a democracy. Debate, just like voting, is a democratic right. We know debates are to make citizens to be better informed.
“However, there is an unspoken consequence for candidates not participating. I also understand that some candidates prefer not to attend to avoid making mistakes that would drive voters from them. We are happy with the job the election debate group is doing. The effort of the media in this aspect should be supported; but they should also be non-partisan.”
Yakubu lamented the growing resort to incendiary comments and violence by parties, adding that establishment of the Electoral Offence Commission would help to curtail the menace.
On election logistics, the INEC chairman said 1.4 million ad hoc staff would be required to successfully prosecute the elections.
According to Yakubu, seven million, out of 9.8 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVC), has already been printed, adding that the distribution will commence in November.
He added: “The commission is also working hard to print the remaining PVCs for new voters, as well as those that applied for transfer or replacement of their lost/damaged cards.
“In the coming days, we will also inform Nigerians of the detailed plan to ensure a seamless collection of PVCs. We are aware that Nigerians expect an improvement in the procedure for PVC collection.”
