Electoral fraud has been a recurrent problem in Nigeria’s democratic process, so much so that many Nigerians no longer have faith in the system. However, recent developments have sparked hope, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken steps to incorporate digital technology tools in the voting process. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which uses dual fingerprint and facial biometric accreditation, has been introduced to prevent manual manipulation of figures. BVAS has been tested in previous elections in Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, and Delta states, receiving high ratings for its effectiveness.
The BVAS technology became the only means of voter accreditation approved by the newly signed Electoral Act, showing its capacity to curb or reduce election malpractices to the barest minimum. However, the deployment of the technology faced opposition from politicians who feared its effectiveness in preventing fraud would not allow them to perfect their enterprise. Despite this opposition, the Federal Government and INEC remained firm in their commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
INEC has also taken steps to ensure the security of its digital assets and technologies, such as the INEC Results Viewing (iRev) Portal, which allows for real-time uploading of polling unit results for public view. While the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and the Smart Card Reader (SCR) were introduced under former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, the BVAS technology has been described as an upgrade, capable of further reducing electoral fraud.
The incorporation of these technologies in Nigeria’s electoral process marks a significant improvement, providing a vaccine against vote rigging. As the 2023 general elections approach, Nigeria’s commitment to credible and transparent elections is evident. By strengthening its digital assets and deploying appropriate technology, INEC is making it more difficult for fraudsters to compromise the electoral process.
In conclusion, the incorporation of BVAS and other digital technology tools in Nigeria’s electoral process is a welcome development that has the potential to shape the future of the country’s democracy positively. While there may still be challenges, it is essential to remain committed to free, fair, and credible elections to build trust in the democratic system. With the BVAS technology being the only approved means of voter accreditation for the 2023 general elections, the hope is that Nigeria will have a successful and transparent electoral process.
Related Facts:
– Electoral fraud has been a significant challenge in Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999.
– The BVAS technology was introduced to prevent manual manipulation of election figures and reduce malpractices to the barest minimum.
– INEC has taken steps to ensure the security of its digital assets, such as the INEC Results Viewing (iRev) Portal, which allows for real-time uploading of polling unit results for public view.
– The deployment of BVAS faced opposition from politicians who feared its effectiveness in preventing fraud would not allow them to perfect their enterprise.
– The PVC and SCR were introduced under former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, before the BVAS technology was introduced.
Key Takeaway:
– The deployment of digital technology tools such as BVAS, the INEC Results Viewing (iRev) Portal, and the PVC and SCR signifies an improvement in Nigeria’s democratic process.
– While there may still be challenges, Nigeria’s commitment to credible and transparent elections is evident.
– BVAS technology marks a significant development capable of further reducing electoral fraud.
