JUST IN: Flooding In Our Edo State Office Has Affected 4000 BVAS Machines – Electoral Commission, INEC
Impact of Flooding on Electoral Preparedness in Edo State: A Significant Challenge for INEC.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recently faced a substantial challenge in Edo State due to severe flooding, which affected over 4,000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. This information was disclosed by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, during a two-day induction retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos State.
The flood disaster in Edo State resulted in significant damage to the electoral infrastructure, crucial for the upcoming elections. The BVAS machines are essential for the accreditation of voters, ensuring a seamless and credible voting process. Out of the affected machines, INEC has managed to recover more than 3,500, but this recovery still leaves a considerable shortfall.
Prof. Yakubu expressed concerns regarding the insufficiency of the remaining machines to meet the demands of the forthcoming elections. This situation raises questions about the preparedness of the commission and the potential impact on the electoral process in Edo State. The need for additional support from neighboring states was highlighted as a critical step to mitigate this shortfall.
The induction retreat for RECs, as explained by Prof. Yakubu, goes beyond mere orientation. It serves as a platform for reviewing past performances, reassessing operational processes, and discussing innovations that could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the commission. The retreat also provides an opportunity for engagement with service providers, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their efforts to support the electoral process.
Prof. Yakubu underscored the importance of continuous interaction with lawmakers to drive essential reforms. These reforms are crucial for enhancing INEC's organizational capacity and ensuring that the commission can deliver better services. The dialogue with legislators is aimed at advocating for legal reforms that will support the implementation of administrative improvements, thereby strengthening the overall electoral system.
Reflecting on recent activities, Prof. Yakubu mentioned that INEC has held several retreats for different groups within the commission. These retreats have been instrumental in preparing for the electoral challenges ahead, particularly the upcoming elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states. The commitment to administrative reforms and legal advocacy underscores INEC's dedication to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the electoral process.
INEC should postpone the election till everything is sorted out. They cannot come and fool Nigerians again
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