The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has announced that it will not be utilizing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for September 28, 2024. This decision comes amid concerns about the reliability of the technology, particularly in the context of the local elections.
This announcement was made by Anthony Nnalue, the Commissioner in charge of Information and Logistics for ANSIEC, during a sensitization program organized by the International Peace and Civil Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) in Awka on Thursday. Nnalue emphasized that while BVAS has been employed in other elections, its reliability remains questionable for the specific context of the local government elections in Anambra. According to him, the commission’s priority is to ensure a smooth, efficient, and accurate electoral process, and as such, they have opted against using the BVAS system.
The BVAS system, which has been widely used in previous elections to verify voters‘ identities by capturing fingerprints and facial recognition, was initially praised for its capacity to enhance the credibility of the voting process by reducing incidents of fraud. However, challenges such as network issues, technical glitches, and its perceived unreliability in rural areas may have led ANSIEC to opt for a different approach.
Nnalue further reassured voters that ANSIEC is committed to conducting a transparent and fair election. He urged citizens to participate in the election process and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and civil responsibility throughout the voting period.
This decision may raise concerns among some voters and election observers who have supported the use of BVAS as a means to enhance electoral transparency. However, ANSIEC remains confident that their alternative methods will ensure the accuracy and integrity of the local government elections.
As the election date approaches, both ANSIEC and civil society organizations continue their efforts to educate voters about the electoral process and ensure a peaceful and credible election.
I dont trust electronic voting systems anyway. Lets stick to good ol paper ballots for Anambra local elections!
I think BVAS should be used for transparency, even if there are concerns. Lets prioritize fair elections!
Transparency is key, but BVAS raises valid concerns. We need to ensure security first.
I think BVAS should be mandatory to ensure fair elections. ANSIEC should reconsider for transparency. What do you all think?
I think BVAS should be used despite concerns. Lets embrace technology for fairer elections. Trust the process!
I think BVAS should be used to ensure fair elections despite the concerns. Transparency is key! #AnambraElections #VoteIntegrity
Transparency doesnt always guarantee fairness. BVAS alone wont solve all election issues. #AnambraElections
I think BVAS technology could actually improve election credibility. ANSIEC might be missing out on a chance to boost transparency.
I think BVAS should be mandatory for all elections. ANSIEC needs to step up their game! Accountability is key.
I think BVAS should be used for transparency in elections. ANSIEC should reconsider their decision. Its important for democracy.
I think BVAS should be mandatory for all elections to ensure transparency. ANSIECs decision seems fishy. What are they hiding?
I think BVAS should be used despite concerns. We need reliable elections in Anambra. What do you all think?
I think BVAS should be mandatory for all elections to ensure transparency. ANSIEC needs to step up their game!
I think its ridiculous to rule out BVAS without a proper evaluation. Lets not dismiss technology without giving it a fair chance.
I think BVAS should be used despite concerns. Technology can improve the electoral process if implemented correctly.
I think BVAS should be mandatory for all elections to ensure transparency. ANSIEC should reconsider their decision.
I think BVAS should be used despite concerns. Technology is the future, lets embrace it. Whos with me? 🤷♂️🤔
Sorry, but blindly embracing technology without addressing valid concerns is short-sighted. Caution is key.
I think ANSIEC should reconsider BVAS for transparency. Cant trust manual processes in this day and age. #modernizeelections
Manual processes can be reliable too. Technology isnt always the answer. Trust the process. #traditionalisnotobsolete
I think BVAS could actually improve election integrity. Lets embrace technology and move forward! #ProgressiveThinking
I dont buy it! BVAS could actually increase transparency. ANSIEC should reconsider for fair elections. What do you think?
I dont buy it – BVAS could bring much-needed transparency. ANSIEC should reconsider for fair elections.
I think BVAS should be used despite concerns. We need transparent elections for democracy to thrive. Lets push for it!
I think BVAS should be used despite concerns. We need to prioritize fair and secure elections over convenience.
Disagree. Ensuring secure elections AND convenient access for all voters is crucial. BVAS concerns are valid.
I think BVAS should be mandatory for all elections to ensure transparency and fairness. ANSIEC needs to step up its game!
BVAS is unnecessary. ANSIEC should focus on improving current processes instead.
I think BVAS should be given a chance! ANSIEC needs to step up their game and embrace technology for fair elections.
BVAS is untested and risky. ANSIEC is experienced and reliable. Stick with what works.
I think BVAS could actually improve the reliability of the elections. ANSIEC should reconsider their decision. #AnambraElections #ControversialOpinion
I think BVAS should be mandatory for all elections to ensure transparency. ANSIECs concerns seem like a convenient excuse.
I think BVAS should be used despite concerns. Security should be a priority over reliability. What do you all think?
I think BVAS should be mandatory for all elections. How else can we ensure fair and reliable results? ANSIEC needs to step up their game.
I think BVAS should be mandatory for elections to ensure transparency. ANSIEC needs to prioritize voter confidence.
I think BVAS should be given a chance to prove its reliability. ANSIEC should reconsider their decision. Who knows, it might be the solution!
I dont get why theyre ruling out BVAS! Its 2021, we need reliable tech for elections. Whats the alternative plan?