INEC begins mock voter accreditation for Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will hold a mock voter accreditation exercise this weekend in preparation for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States.

The exercise, according to the commission, is part of efforts to ensure a seamless and technologically enhanced electoral process.

INEC had fixed November 11 to conduct governorship elections in the three states. With a combined total of 5,409,438 registered voters for the three states, 51 candidates are expected to participate in the elections.

However, a statement yesterday by INEC’s national commissioner and chairman Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, said, “The mock exercise, scheduled for Saturday, October 14th, 2023, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, aims to test the efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the seamless uploading of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).”

Olumekun said the initiative reflects INEC’s commitment to enhancing the deployment of technology in voter accreditation and result management.

The statement further said, “To facilitate this test run, INEC has already uploaded the list of designated polling units for each state on its website and social media platforms, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information.

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“This exercise will allow the Commission to identify and address any potential challenges, thereby ensuring the successful use of BVAS and IReV on the actual Election Day.”

INEC added that the mock voter accreditation exercise is purely a test run and not the actual election.

It said registered voters in the selected polling units are encouraged to participate in the exercise and bring their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for verification.

“This innovative approach by INEC demonstrates its commitment to conducting credible and technologically advanced elections, providing voters with confidence in the electoral process. As the mock exercise unfolds, the Commission will closely monitor and learn from the experience, further strengthening its preparations for the crucial governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States,” the statement said.

INEC also said “For the forthcoming elections, there are 1,056 862 registered voters in Bayelsa State; 2,419,922 in Imo State; and 1,932,654 in Kogi State, making a combined total of 5,409,438 registered voters for the three States. As provided in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities, soft copies of the complete register of voters for each State will be presented to the political parties participating in the elections.

“For emphasis, 16 political parties are sponsoring candidates in Bayelsa State, 17 in Imo State, and all the 18 parties in Kogi State. State Chairmen of political parties or their designated representatives are invited to attend the event which will take place at the Collation Centres in the State Headquarters of the Commission in Lokoja, Owerri, and Yenagoa on Thursday 12th October 2023 at 10.00 am.”

INEC begins mock voter accreditation for Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi polls