By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has praised the performance of its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), following a mock exercise in selected polling units across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, who monitored the exercise on Saturday, described BVAS as a “game changer” that will enhance the integrity of the FCT area council elections on February 21.
The exercise, conducted in 289 polling units, tested INEC’s preparedness ahead of the polls. Amupitan said the system worked efficiently, accrediting voters in five seconds or less and preventing double registration.
He urged residents to turn out in large numbers despite recurring voter apathy and called on political parties to intensify mobilisation.
On logistics, Amupitan confirmed that all non-sensitive materials had been deployed, and potential technical challenges, including in rural areas, had been addressed with internal security features and mobile hotspots.
He added that INEC is awaiting the final harmonisation of the Electoral Act amendment by the National Assembly.
