Prof. Yakubu concluded by reaffirming INEC’s commitment to improving voter access and polling unit distribution. “The Commission will take decisive action on enhancing voter access and distribution to polling units,” he said.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a new measure to simplify voter accreditation by allowing the use of computer-generated voting slips for those without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in future elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the proposal during a quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Thursday. He emphasized that PVCs should no longer be the sole requirement for voting, given the advancements in election technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
“The use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) as the exclusive means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day must be reconsidered,” Yakubu said.
Key Recommendations for Electoral Reforms
The commission has outlined 142 recommendations for improving the electoral process, based on extensive consultations with stakeholders and officials. Of these, 86 recommendations require administrative action by INEC, while 48 need input from other entities such as security agencies and political parties.
One of the most significant proposals is the introduction of computer-generated voting slips or downloadable slips from INEC’s website as alternatives to PVCs. Prof. Yakubu explained that this move would reduce costs, ease the burden of PVC collection, and curb the practice of hoarding cards to disenfranchise voters.
“Those who already possess PVCs can continue to use them to vote,” he noted. “However, moving forward, computer-generated slips issued to voters or downloaded from the Commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation.”
INEC also stressed the need for legal clarity in result management, particularly in the debate over manual versus electronic transmission of results. This, Yakubu said, is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Additionally, the commission’s review report, a 524-page document analyzing the 2023 general elections, includes recommendations for early or special voting for Nigerians engaged in election duties, such as INEC staff and security personnel.
Expanding Voting Access
INEC is also advocating for diaspora voting and the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal. The commission further recommends creating a dedicated agency for registering and regulating political parties to streamline electoral management.
Prof. Yakubu concluded by reaffirming INEC’s commitment to improving voter access and polling unit distribution. “The Commission will take decisive action on enhancing voter access and distribution to polling units,” he said.
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