The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to deliver a credible and seamless gubernatorial election in Anambra State, despite detecting some network glitches during a recent test run of its BVAS technology. (Vanguard News)
At a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held in Abuja, Joash Amupitan (SAN), the INEC Chairman, said the commission’s week-long “readiness assessment” across Anambra confirmed that core logistics — personnel deployment, polling-unit coverage, transport arrangements and security coordination — were all set. (Vanguard News)
“Following our comprehensive readiness assessment across the state, INEC is confident of its full preparedness for the polls. Although we encountered some network challenges during the mock accreditation exercise in 12 polling units, efforts are underway to ensure a seamless election on November 8. We are ready for large-scale deployment.” — Joash Amupitan (Vanguard News)
Key readiness metrics
Deployment of approximately 24,000 election personnel across 5,718 out of 5,720 polling units in the state; two units excluded due to absence of registered voters. (Vanguard News)
Results collation scheduled at 326 ward centres, 21 local government area centres, culminating at the State Collation Centre in Awka. (Vanguard News)
Extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period from October 29 to November 2 after only about 63.9 % of registered voters had collected their cards as of late October. (Vanguard News)
Logistics arrangements with transport unions including 200 buses and 83 boats to move election materials and staff. (Vanguard News)
Reaffirmation of robust security deployments by the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC and the military, as coordinated through the ICCES. (Vanguard News)
How the network glitch came into view
The issue emerged during a recent mock accreditation exercise using BVAS in 12 polling units across six Local Government Areas. The glitch involved connectivity problems impacting accreditation and transmission systems. INEC says the fault lies with network infrastructure rather than the BVAS hardware itself. (The Eagle Online)
Amupitan stated that corrective steps are already underway to avoid recurrence on election day.
“The network challenges are being addressed as a matter of urgency; no eligible voter should be disenfranchised because of technology.” (The Eagle Online)
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