Success of BVAS in many polling units demonstrates its utility and dependability – CDD

THE Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has described the success of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in many local government areas (LGAs) as evidence that the technological innovation could be dependable in future elections.

During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Election Analyst and Law Lecturer Sam Amadi revealed this on behalf of the centre.

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“The device’s successful deployment in a large number of polling units demonstrates its utility and dependability.” For example, CDD observers reported the seamless deployment of the BVAS in Ekwusigo LGA, Ward 3, Units 3, 4, 5, and 6, and Ward 5 Units 1 and 2.

“CDD believes that the intent behind the implementation of the BVAS is laudable,” he said.

Speaking about the device’s success, Jibrin Ibrahim, Senior Fellow at CDD, said it demonstrated the importance of technology in preventing election fraud.

“Its widespread success demonstrates the long-term value of integrating technology to prevent electoral fraud,” he said.

The centre did, however, note that the BVAS device had failed in some areas and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address and improve the infrastructure supporting the BVAS ahead of future elections.

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“Repeated flaws in the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have raised serious concerns about adapting technology to local environments.”

“Our message to INEC is that technical capacity and skills must be improved.” “We can’t keep having these problems,” he said.

The center also warned citizens to be wary of the weaponization of fake news when consuming election-related information. “Stories emerged online with images implying that citizens simply refused to vote.” Perhaps the most significant was the narrative, which appeared in several iterations and claimed that the APC had already written results in 10LGAs.

“Governor Willie Obiano was credited with this story. The CDD fact checkers determined that this was incorrect. “These demonstrate the importance of election information vigilance,” Amadi said.

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The centre recommended that the Ihiala LGA elections be held in accordance with electoral guidelines and urged the Nigerian government to address the country’s deteriorating security situation in advance of the 2023 elections.

The INEC was also urged to resolve its logistical issues and speed up the transmission of results in order to reassure citizens of the process’s integrity.