'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced significant electoral reform proposals, including a review of the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the introduction of early voting mechanisms for essential election workers.
These recommendations were disclosed by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
The reforms stem from INEC’s review of the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle elections. Among the 142 recommendations outlined in the commission’s detailed 524-page report, the proposal to move beyond PVCs and explore alternative voter accreditation methods has garnered widespread attention.
Towards phasing out PVCs
Prof. Yakubu suggested that while existing PVC holders can continue to use them for voting, the future of voter accreditation may rely on computer-generated slips, which could either be issued to voters or downloaded from INEC’s website. This transition, according to the Chairman, will cut costs, simplify voter registration processes, and curb illegal practices such as voter card buying aimed at disenfranchising citizens.
“With the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the use of PVCs as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed. This approach will address persistent issues with PVC collection and streamline the voting process,” Prof. Yakubu said.
Introduction of early voting
INEC is also advancing plans for early or special voting for individuals who play critical roles during elections. This includes INEC officials, security personnel, ad hoc staff, observers, and journalists who are often deployed outside their polling units on Election Day.
This move, according to INEC, will ensure these groups are not disenfranchised due to their responsibilities during elections. Additionally, the commission is considering recommendations for diaspora voting, marking a potential expansion of electoral inclusion.
Comprehensive reforms underway
INEC’s reform agenda covers multiple areas, including: Legislative action to clarify result management, particularly the electronic transmission of results.
Advocacy for the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal and a dedicated agency for political party regulation.
Others include; collaboration with agencies like the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to clean up the voter register.
Increased focus on voter education to combat misinformation and fake news and affirmative action to promote the participation of underrepresented groups.
The meeting also addressed the need to refine logistics mechanisms, as demonstrated in the early deployment success during the recent Ondo State Governorship election.
Prof. Yakubu announced that INEC will soon present hard copies of its General Election Review Report to the public, with a soft copy also available on its website. The Chairman urged RECs to study the report and prepare for robust discussions to implement the recommended changes.
The proposed reforms, particularly the potential phase-out of PVCs and the introduction of early voting, signify a bold shift aimed at making Nigeria’s electoral process more inclusive, transparent, and efficient. As the commission engages with stakeholders and legislative bodies, the success of these reforms will depend on widespread collaboration and public buy-in.
