The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will conduct a mock accreditation exercise for the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states on October 14, 2023. The exercise is aimed at testing the functionality and efficiency of the smart card readers and the biometric verification system that will be used for the elections.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, on Tuesday. He said that the mock accreditation exercise will involve 10 polling units in each of the three states, and will be open to observation by political parties, civil society groups, media and security agencies.
Yakubu said that the mock accreditation exercise is part of the commission’s efforts to ensure credible, free and fair elections in the three states, which have been marred by violence and litigation in the past. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the commission and abide by the electoral laws and guidelines.
He also said that the commission has deployed new technology and innovations to enhance the electoral process, such as the electronic transmission of results, the use of facial recognition software, and the introduction of a portal for public access to polling unit results. He said that these measures will improve transparency, accountability and public confidence in the elections.
The INEC chairman also appealed to the security agencies to provide adequate security for the elections, and warned against any form of intimidation or harassment of voters, election officials or observers. He said that anyone who engages in electoral malpractice or violence will face the full wrath of the law.
The governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states are scheduled for November 18, 2023, while the supplementary election in Imo state is slated for December 9, 2023. The elections are expected to be keenly contested by various political parties and candidates.
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