November 16, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), for the 2023 elections, is sacrosanct and Irreversible.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this in his message titled “100 Days To The 2023 General Election“ issued on Wednesday, in Abuja.
Reiterating his commitment to free, fair, credible and verifiable elections, Yakubu said the deployment of modern technology would guarantee transparent accreditation and upload of polling unit results for citizens to view in real-time on Election Day.
He vowed that the Commission would not succumb to pressures to drop the use of BVAs and the IReV.
Yakubu also tasked political parties and their candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully, eschewing divisiveness, rancour and violence.
“As Nigerians are aware, election is a multi-stakeholder activity. We will continue to play our part diligently and conscientiously.
“We appeal to all stakeholders and, above all, citizens to play their own part so that working together, we can have the elections that Nigerians yearn for, and which the world expects from us.
”It is exactly 100 days today before polling units open at 8.30am on Feb. 25 for national elections (Presidential and National Assembly) and two weeks later, on March 11, for State elections (Governorship and State Houses of Assembly).
“Once again, another General Election is upon us, the 7th since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, in 1999.
“Over the last 23 years, we have made a steady progress in the twin areas of electoral reform and election administration.
“Although a lot of work still lies ahead, it is generally acknowledged that our elections are getting better and citizens’ confidence in the process is increasing.
“As I have said repeatedly, the Commission’s allegiance is to Nigeria”, he said.
Speaking further, Yakubu said INEC would continue with its regular engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other critical stakeholders.
“Accordingly, in a couple of weeks, the commission will start bi-weekly media briefings followed by weekly briefings as we get closer to the election. In the week leading to the election, there will be daily briefings”, he added.
