In preparation for the upcoming governorship elections scheduled for November 11 in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, has affirmed the use of electronic result transmission.
During the monitoring of a mock election in Lokoja, Kogi State, Prof. Yakubu emphasised that the procedures for the governorship elections in the three states will strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“The method is as provided by law — electronic accreditation, electronic upload of results on the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal, and that is why we are doing this mock,” stated Prof. Yakubu.
He urged the public to disregard any contrary reports, referring to comments made by a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Bayelsa.
Furthermore, the INEC Chairman encouraged individuals who have registered on the IReV portal to check and monitor the results of the mock election, which will be uploaded as per previous election procedures.
In addition to the technological aspects, Prof. Yakubu expressed confidence in the security arrangements for the upcoming elections. He disclosed that security agencies have provided assurances of ample protection on election day.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that, despite future plans to redistribute voters to other locations, the upcoming election on Saturday, November 11, 2023, will accommodate the existing registered voters at this polling unit. To ensure smooth voter accreditation, a minimum of eight BVAS machines will be deployed.
Emphasizing their commitment to providing voters with a pleasant experience on election day, the INEC chairman clarified that the general election is divided into three phases: the main election in February and March, supplementary elections in April, and court-ordered run elections. For the current off-cycle elections, the focus remains on this arrangement.
Addressing concerns about crowd control on election day, the chairman detailed the strategy.
The voter register will be alphabetized by surnames, guiding voters to their designated voting locations. Registers will be posted on election day, and INEC officials will assist voters in locating their polling stations. A minimum of eight BVAS machines will be deployed for efficient voter accreditation.
On the performance of mock accreditation exercises in other locations, the Chairman reported that the turnout in Bayelsa was impressive, with queues forming in Artisa, Yenagoa. Similar positive feedback is expected from Imo.
Regarding the accreditation and transmission of election results, the INEC Chairman confirmed that the process follows legal requirements, involving electronic accreditation and the electronic upload of results on the IREV portal.
The ongoing mock exercise reflects this procedure. He advised registered users to visit the IREV portal to view results from the three states where the exercise is taking place.
As for security threats, the Chairman expressed confidence in the assurance from security agencies and revealed plans for a high-level security meeting in Abuja. This meeting, chaired by the INEC Chairman and the National Security Adviser, will include all security chiefs, focusing on security arrangements for the three states where elections are scheduled.
He also revealed plans for a high-level meeting in Abuja, scheduled for the following week, where security chiefs and officials, including the National Security Adviser, will discuss security preparations for the elections in the three states.
