The Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is the GAME-CHANGER that will ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria

It's actually a bit difficult to beat the BVAS. I think Nigerians should understand that the ongoing electoral process can be nerve-wracking, but there is some good news. The Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is the GAME-CHANGER that will ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria.

Here are ten (10) reasons why Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is the key to free and fair elections in Nigeria:

1. Biometric data is unique and cannot be altered or duplicated, making it a reliable means of authentication.
2. The use of facial recognition technology can further enhance the accuracy of voter identification.
3. The assumption that holds is that the BVAS has been subject to rigorous testing, certification, and approval by relevant authorities. The BVAS was tested by the National Communications Commission (NCC) and certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before it can be used in an election.
4. Multiple identification attributes can be cross-referenced to ensure accurate voter identification.
5. Using other databases such as the BVN, International Passport, and Driver's License can provide additional verification of voter identity.
6. The assumption that holds is that the BVAS was designed to prevent multiple voting by the same person.
7. The BVAS provides a more accurate and efficient means of voter accreditation than manual methods.
8. The BVAS is a secure system that can be monitored and audited to ensure compliance with electoral laws and regulations.
9. The New Electoral Act provides for severe penalties for electoral malpractice and fraud, including compromising the BVAS.
10. The BVAS is a critical component of the Nigerian electoral process and its use is essential for ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.

Using the BVAS helps prevent electoral fraud and malpractice by ensuring that only eligible voters are accredited, and that votes are counted accurately. By relying on a secure and reliable system of voter identification, Nigeria can promote greater confidence in its electoral process and help to ensure the peaceful transition of power between governments.

You can find the signed version of the Electoral Act 2022 on Yiaga's website: https://www.yiaga.org/sites/default/files/portfolio/Signed-Version-of-the-Electoral-Act-2022-compressed.pdf

Section 64:

(6) Where during collation of results, there is a dispute regarding a collated result or the result of an election from any polling unit, the collation officer or returning officer shall use the following to determine the correctness of the disputed result —

(a) the original of the disputed collated result for each polling unit where the election is disputed;

(b) the smart card reader or other technology device used for accreditation of voters in each polling unit where the election is disputed for the purpose of obtaining accreditation data directly from the smart card reader or technology device;

(c) data of accreditation recorded and transmitted directly from each polling unit where the election is disputed as prescribed under section 47 (2) of this Act; and

(d) the votes and result of the election recorded and transmitted directly from each polling unit where the election is disputed, as prescribed under section 60 (4) of this Act.

(7) If the disputed result under subsection (6) were otherwise found not to be correct, the collation officer or returning officer shall re-collate and announce a new result using the information in subsection (6) (a)-(d).

(8) Where the dispute under subsection (6) arose at the level of collation and the returning officer has satisfied the provision of subsection (6) (a)-(d), the returning officer shall accordingly declare the winner of the election.

(9) A returning officer or collation officer, as the case may be, commits an offense if he or she intentionally collates or announces a false result and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of at least three years or both.

Thank you.

Aderogba Otunla

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