The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has announced that the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) technology used in the 2023 elections achieved a remarkable 98% success rate. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made the statement during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) from all states at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
BVAS is a technology that utilizes machines to accredit voters using their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) through fingerprint or face recognition technology. Professor Yakubu highlighted the significant progress made with the BVAS technology, which outperformed the Smart Card Readers used in the previous 2019 general elections, where the success rate was only 29.2%.
The chairman emphasized that INEC is reviewing all evidence of infractions during the elections and intends to prosecute offenders. The meeting with the RECs marks the beginning of activities to assess the 2023 general elections, including the supplementary elections held in some constituencies. The review will cover all aspects of the electoral process, and INEC plans to publish a comprehensive report based on the internal review and stakeholder engagement.
Despite logistical challenges encountered on Election Day, particularly in the presidential elections, Mr. Yakubu stated that the 2023 elections were one of the most meticulously prepared for in recent times. Preparation for the polls began immediately after the 2019 elections, taking into account lessons learned from previous experiences. The chairman commended the successful management of security challenges that could have disrupted the elections, as well as the ability to conduct polls despite currency and fuel scarcity.
Mr. Yakubu noted that the 2023 elections resulted in the most diverse outcomes since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, with multiple political parties producing state governors, senators, and representatives. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced and assured that the commission is committed to addressing them as they prepare for future elections.
