'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled a mock accreditation exercise for the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election, set to take place on November 16, 2024. This exercise will serve as a critical test of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process.
The mock accreditation is slated for November 6, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, across 12 designated polling units in six local government areas that represent the three senatorial districts of Ondo State. The selected areas include Akure South and Idanre in Ondo Central; Owo and Akoko South West in Ondo North; and Odigbo and Okitipupa in Ondo South.
In Ondo Central, voters in Akure South can participate at Alagbaka Primary School and Ijapo High School, while residents of Idanre will be able to access mock accreditation at Our Saviour Primary School and additional locations in Aiyetoro/Owena and Owena.
For the Ondo North Senatorial District, polling centers include the Methodist Primary School and Imade College in Owo, as well as the L.A. Primary School and the Open Space at Ago Ajayi in Akoko South West.
In Ondo South, voters from Odigbo can go to St John's Primary School and Isero Grammar School, while those in Okitipupa can participate at the Open Space by Oladipupo Lebi Street and Baptist Primary School in Ode Aye.
INEC encourages all registered voters within these designated units to bring their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the exercise, emphasizing that only voters registered in the specified units will be allowed to take part. The Commission has made available a graphic outlining the polling units on its website and social media channels to facilitate public awareness.
The mock accreditation is a vital step in INEC's efforts to refine its electoral processes and address any potential issues ahead of the gubernatorial election. As the state gears up for this significant political event, the successful implementation of the BVAS technology is expected to enhance transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
National Commissioner Sam Olumekun, who oversees information and voter education, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to ensuring that the upcoming election in Ondo State is free, fair, and transparent. With just weeks to go before the election, this mock exercise represents an important opportunity for voters and electoral officials to familiarize themselves with the new technology, setting the stage for an efficient electoral experience.
