In a major electoral reform, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will replace the use of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) with computer-generated slips for voter accreditation during elections.
The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting, which focused on lessons learned from the 2023 General Election, was a step towards implementing new reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s election process.
Yakubu explained that the move was part of the Commission’s broader review of election procedures and aimed at building on the successes and challenges of the 2023 election.
“We have identified 142 recommendations based on consultations with both internal and external stakeholders,” Yakubu said. “These cover key areas including voter management, election logistics, and security.”
Under the new plan, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which was successfully used in the last election, will be relied upon more heavily.
Yakubu added that the introduction of BVAS had made the PVC less essential as the primary means of voter identification.
He clarified that voters who already have PVCs could still use them for voting, but for accreditation on Election Day, they would be able to use computer-generated slips.
The slips, which can be issued to voters at polling units or downloaded from INEC’s website, will serve as a quick and efficient alternative to the traditional PVCs.
Yakubu also highlighted that this reform would help address the issue of PVCs being bought from voters, a practice that has led to widespread voter disenfranchisement in past elections.
“By moving away from relying solely on PVCs, we reduce the chances of election malpractices related to PVC theft or sale,” he said.
This decision is part of a larger push for electoral reform, following the release of a detailed 524-page report on the 2023 General Election by INEC.
Yakubu emphasized that the report, which is available on the Commission’s website, reflects the comprehensive review of the election and lays the groundwork for future improvements.
According to Yakubu, 86 of the 142 recommendations will require administrative changes by INEC, while 48 will need action from external stakeholders such as political parties, security agencies, and civil society organizations.
Eight of the recommendations, Yakubu added, will require legislative action from the National Assembly.
“These reforms are necessary to strengthen the credibility of the electoral process and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and more transparent,” Yakubu said.
The introduction of computer-generated slips for voter accreditation is expected to streamline the voting process, reduce costs, and eliminate some of the logistical challenges associated with the collection and distribution of PVCs.
INEC’s focus on technology and innovation in elections was a key takeaway from the 2023 election, which saw the successful use of BVAS to enhance voter verification and result transmission.
While the change to computer-generated slips may be seen as a significant shift, Yakubu assured that the Commission would ensure the smooth implementation of the new system.
He further noted that the reforms were in line with INEC’s ongoing efforts to improve election integrity and public trust in the electoral process.
Yakubu also mentioned that he would soon make a presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, where the Commission will advocate for legislative backing of some of the proposed changes.
Among the key areas of concern is the need for clearer laws around result management, especially regarding the debate between manual versus electronic transmission of election results.
INEC’s proposal for computer-generated slips represents a significant step forward in modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, this reform aims to improve voter experience, reduce fraud, and enhance the overall efficiency of the electoral process.
The Commission is confident that these changes will build public trust and create a more transparent and accountable electoral system.
