By: Mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed crucial reforms that could pave the way for the full adoption of electronic voting.
The reform is central in INEC’s proposed amendment of Sections 47(1) and 16(1, 2, & 4) of the Electoral Act 2022.
This is aimed at allowing for an electronically downloadable voter card or acceptance of alternative digital identification for elections.
The commission stressed that reliance solely on the traditional Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) was increasingly outdated, especially in an era where digital innovation is reshaping electoral systems worldwide.
“The design, printing, control, issuance, and use of voter cards must be reimagined to align with global technological advancements,” the commission stated.
INEC also called for the need to clean up ambiguities in sections dealing with the electronic transmission of results, a major sticking point during the 2023 elections to provide clarity and avoid legal challenges in future polls.
INEC’s vision for a tech-driven electoral future offers hope for a system that is more secure, efficient, and accessible to all Nigerians.
