The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has affirmed that the greater use of technology has deepened democracy and reduced electoral frauds through human interference.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in Oyo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, who stated this during the valedictory media briefing at the Dr. Mutiu Agboke Collation Center, Ibadan, stressed that the introduction of INEC Result Viewing Portal, IReV has enabled the commission to upload polling units’ results to a Central Portal for public viewing.
Dr Agboke said snatching of ballot boxes and results have been overcome by the commission through technology.
Dr Agboke hinted that INEC has also deployed the Candidates Nomination Portal, ICNP, for publication of personal particulars of candidates for President/Vice-president Senate/House of Representatives, adding that details of state elections including Governorship/Deputy/House of Assembly would be uploaded between 1st and 15th of this month.
He explained that the Electoral Act 2022 has apportioned a ten million naira fine on political parties that present unqualified candidates to the commission for electoral offices.
Dr Agboke advised political parties to screen their flag-bearers before submitting their details to the commission.
The REC noted that the commission was making efforts to source alternative means of transportation of electoral materials and personnel to forestall late arrival of materials and Officials at polling units and ensure early payment of ad-hoc staff in the coming general elections.
He reiterated that the INEC was collaborating with anti-graft and security agencies for the prosecution of electoral offenders, especially those arrested during the recently concluded Ekiti governorship election.
The outgoing INEC REC while appreciating the cooperation of the media, security agencies and political class, urged all stakeholders to sustain the mutual relationship with the commission.
He emphasized the need for the electorate to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, stating that there are over two million registrants as INEC continues with the Continuous Voters Registration, CVR, till 90 days before the coming general elections.
Sherifdeen Nazrudeen
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