Osun Guber: INEC assures credible poll through advanced technological method

Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that its improved technological gadgets and mode of result transmission will ensure credible election in Osun State.

The electoral commission maintained that the deployment of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is a better technological device as the number of accredited voters and election results cannot be tampered with.

INEC indicated that its intensive monitoring of all polling units and their activities through it’s monitoring advanced devices from Abuja will help curb electoral malpractices and allow prompt intervention to officials in distress.

This was disclosed during its workshop for journalists in collaboration with International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) on the new innovations and 2022 electoral act, on Saturday held in Osogbo.

The National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education (INEC), Festus Okoye, in his address, said that the Commission is ready for the election.

Okoye explained that the BIVAS will accredit the voter through finger print accreditation and facial recognition which makes it better than the Smart Card Reader.

He enjoined media practitioners to be factual, objective and professional in reporting the election.

“Journalists covering the election must on no account interfere with the processes and procedures of voting or in any way distract presiding officers in the performance of their duties.

“The media must on no account attempt to know or report on the way someone has voted. The secrecy of the ballot is at the heart of the democratic process. The media must also not make any declaration or return of any election as it is the exclusive preserve of the Commission.

“The Commission will work with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Chapter in the area of media accreditation and distribution of media kits for accredited Journalists,” Okoye said.

Speaking on INEC’s Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) Special Adviser to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mohammad Kuna said the security and alert system of INEC has been upgraded.

According him, the application will be downloaded by the INEC officials and with a code they can be easily located and assisted when in danger.