BREAKING: INEC Proposes Replacing PVCs With Voting Slips For Future Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed significant electoral reforms, including replacing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as the sole requirement for voting with computer-generated slips for voter accreditation, following the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

At a quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu revealed that the commission had reviewed the 2023 general election and subsequent polls, resulting in 142 recommendations aimed at enhancing the electoral process.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that these recommendations address voter management, election operations, public communication, security, and legal frameworks.

Of the 142 recommendations, 86 require INEC’s administrative action, while 48 necessitate collaboration with stakeholders such as political parties, security agencies, and civil society organizations.

Eight recommendations will require legislative action by the National Assembly, with plans for INEC to present these proposals to the Senate and House Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

Yakubu emphasized the need for legal clarity in result management, particularly regarding manual versus electronic result transmission. He stated that computer-generated slips, issued to voters or downloadable from INEC’s website, could serve as an alternative to PVCs, reducing costs and curbing malpractice such as vote-buying through card collection.

INEC also proposed early voting for essential workers, such as journalists and security personnel, and highlighted the potential for diaspora voting. Additional reforms include the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal, a dedicated agency for political party registration, and measures to enhance voter access to polling units.

To refine voter registration, INEC plans to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC). Affirmative action initiatives will encourage participation from underrepresented groups, while improved voter education campaigns will address the spread of fake news.

Finally, INEC intends to optimize logistics processes based on lessons learned from recent elections, including better collaboration with transport unions to ensure timely election day operations.

These reforms aim to streamline Nigeria’s electoral process and address recurring challenges, ensuring a more inclusive and efficient voting system.

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