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No more ‘voting by proxy’, BVAS prevents rigging, vote buying in Nigerian election

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Residents of Idi-oro in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Lagos State, casting their votes

By Akeem Alao

Nigerians are making history today as many troop out in large quantities to exercise their electoral rights and choose the next leaders who will control the affairs of the nation.

Today, Nigerians are choosing the next president, legislators and lawmakers from different constituencies across the nation.

As early as 8:30 am, electoral officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived at their various polling units in preparation for the election. Without wasting time, accreditation and voting began in earnest.

The ongoing election started well and we hope that it ends well as expected.

Unlike the previous elections in the electoral history of this country that used to be riddled with allegations of manipulations, rigging and vote buying, this year’s election, so far, has been free of such malpractices.

Kudos to INEC for the introduction of a device that presents rigging.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, voting at his voting unit| Parkchester Times

BVAS

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is a technological device introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2021 to promote credible elections and prevent rigging.

The BVAS helps to scan the barcode or QR code on the PVC or voter’s register before voting.

BVAS machine

Voters are registered on the BVAS. Before casting a vote, every eligible is verified by the INEC official. After that, they are captured and accredited to vote. With this device, voting by proxy is prevented. A voter must be physically present to cast their vote.

Since the BVAS will be used for transmitting election results to the INEC viewing portal after voting, agents of electoral malfeasance are staying away from the polling unit. The results cannot be tampered with; the figures can neither be altered nor rewritten.

Akeem Alao reports for Parkchester Times from Lagos State.

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