The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new reforms to modernise the country’s electoral system, including plans to phase out Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Instead, voters will use computer-generated slips downloaded from the commission’s website for accreditation during elections. This comes as INEC reviews lessons from the 2023 General Election and subsequent off-cycle votes. The commission Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made these disclosures during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. He explained that the reforms aim to address logistical challenges, reduce costs, and improve efficiency while enhancing the credibility of the voting process.
This new reform is a strategic decision informed by technological advancements and the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Prof. Yakubu emphasised that the use of PVCs as the sole means of voter identification should be revised. Voters with existing PVCs can still use them, but future elections will accommodate computer-generated slips, which can be downloaded and printed. This development promises to alleviate issues such as the high cost of producing PVCs, the challenges associated with their distribution, and the malpractice of buying PVCs to disenfranchise voters.
Election commissions plan to partner with various service providers.
Furthermore, the slips, embedded with secure features such as QR codes or barcodes, will be linked to a centralised voter database, ensuring secure and efficient voter accreditation. INEC has identified 142 recommendations for improving the Electoral System based on a review of the 2023 General Election. Of these, 86 recommendations require administrative action, 48 need collaboration with various stakeholders, and 8 call for legislative amendments by the National Assembly. The reforms aim to enhance every aspect of election management, from voter Education to Logistics and Technology deployment.
Among these reforms is the introduction of early and diaspora voting. Millions of Nigerians, including INEC staff, Security personnel, and citizens abroad, often miss out on voting due to their roles or location during elections. Early voting and diaspora voting would allow these groups to participate. To ensure a smoother electoral process, the commission plans to enhance partnerships with transport unions and other service providers. They also intend to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to clean up the voters’ register. This collaboration will help eliminate errors and ensure a more accurate database.
Plans include creating an agency to oversee the registration.
Meanwhile, the commission is also advocating the unbundling of its responsibilities. Proposals include establishing an electoral offences tribunal to handle violations and creating a separate agency to register and regulate political parties. These measures aim to streamline the commission’s functions and improve accountability. The transition to computer-generated slips and other reforms will require legislative backing. The commission plans to present its proposals to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters. Legal clarity on manual and electronic result transmission methods is a key priority for the commission.
Moreover, simplifying these processes will enhance transparency and reduce disputes over election outcomes. On the other side, their comprehensive review of the electoral structure includes addressing Misinformation and increasing the participation of marginalised groups. The commission aims to develop a robust voter education strategy to combat fake news and encourage inclusivity. Meanwhile, the country’s proposed reform aligns with global trends in electoral innovation. Countries like India use voter slips alongside electronic voting machines, while Estonia employs secure digital identification for its electronic voting system. These examples underscore the benefits of adopting technology to streamline voting processes and reduce fraud.
Related Article: PDP Request Another Election from INEC
In many foreign countries, voter information cards mailed to citizens act as credentials, and in the United States, printed voter check-in receipts ensure accurate identification. By adopting the development, Nigeria is positioning itself to achieve similar advancements in electoral integrity and accessibility. The chairman emphasised the importance of transparency in result management, particularly the balance between manual and electronic methods. Lastly, the commission’s recommendations include advocacy for affirmative action to promote greater participation of women, youth, and other underrepresented groups.