The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed the use of computer-generated slips as an alternative to Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for voter accreditation during elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, revealed this on Thursday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to review lessons learned from the 2023 general election and propose reforms.
Yakubu explained that the proposal was part of a broader consultation process that identified 142 recommendations covering various aspects of electoral management, including voter education, communication and legal frameworks.
With the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Yakubu suggested that relying solely on PVCs for voter accreditation could be reconsidered. “Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation,” he said.
He argued that this approach would save costs, simplify voter access and curb practices like PVC buying aimed at disenfranchising voters.
Yakubu also highlighted additional recommendations aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral system, including allowing INEC officials, security personnel, ad hoc staff, observers, and journalists deployed outside their registration areas to vote; supporting mechanisms to enable Nigerians living abroad to participate in elections; proposing the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency for the registration and regulation of political parties; and enhancing voter distribution and access to polling units.
Yakubu noted that eight of the recommendations would require legislative action, and INEC plans to present these to the National Assembly’s joint committee on electoral matters.
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