The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a significant shift in voting requirements, stating that it will no longer be necessary for Nigerians to present their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) to cast their votes in upcoming elections.
During a quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Thursday, INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu outlined plans to utilize computer-generated voting slips as an alternative.
Yakubu emphasized that PVCs should not be the exclusive means of identification for voters in Nigeria. He highlighted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) could streamline the voting process effectively.
With the recent completion of off-cycle elections and the 2023 general elections, he noted that now is an opportune moment for the commission to act on recommendations from the review of the past elections.
“The Commission believes that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) warrants a reassessment of using PVCs as the only form of identification on Election Day,” Yakubu explained.
He clarified that while those who possess PVCs can still use them, moving forward, voters will also be able to utilize computer-generated slips obtained either directly or downloaded from the Commission’s website for accreditation.
“This approach will not only reduce costs but also tackle the ongoing issues related to PVC collection and the unethical practice of purchasing cards from voters to disenfranchise them,” he added.
