INEC proposes phasing out PVCs, plans diaspora voting

• INEC proposes replacing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with computer-generated slips or downloadable credentials for voter accreditation
• It also plans to allow Nigerians abroad and others unable to vote at their registered polling units to participate in elections
• The proposals include creating an electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency to handle political party registration and regulation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a series of proposed reforms to improve Nigeria's electoral system. 

These recommendations come in the wake of lessons learned from the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle polls. 

Among the key reforms are plans to phase out Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and introduce diaspora voting.

The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed these plans on December 12 during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja. 

Mahmood stated that the proposals would soon be presented to the relevant Senate and House of Representatives committees for legislative consideration.

INEC’s key recommendations 

1. Phasing out PVCs: Prof. Yakubu highlighted the need to review the use of PVCs for voter accreditation due to the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). While current PVC holders can still use them, future voter accreditation may rely on computer-generated slips issued to voters or downloadable credentials from the INEC website.

“This change will reduce costs and address challenges related to PVC collection and the buying of voter cards to disenfranchise citizens,” Yakubu explained.

2. Diaspora voting: INEC advocates for early and diaspora voting to accommodate Nigerians who cannot vote at their registered polling units, including those living abroad, INEC staff, and security personnel.

3. Unbundling INEC: To streamline operations, INEC proposes the establishment of:

• An electoral offences tribunal to handle election-related crimes.
• A separate agency for the registration and regulation of political parties.

4. Legal clarity in result transmission:

INEC seeks legal clarity on manual and electronic result transmission roles, emphasising the importance of streamlining the process to enhance transparency.

5. Cleaning up the voters’ register: Yakubu disclosed plans to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to clean up the voters’ register and eliminate discrepancies.

6. Improved voter education: INEC plans to intensify campaigns to combat misinformation and promote greater participation among marginalised groups.

7. Partnerships and logistics: The commission is strengthening partnerships with transport unions to ensure the timely deployment of election materials and improve voter access to polling units.

The proposed reforms are detailed in a 524-page review report on the 2023 general elections. Out of 142 recommendations identified, 86 require administrative action by INEC, 48 involve collaboration with stakeholders, and eight necessitate legislative amendments.

“We will soon present these proposals to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters,” Yakubu stated.

INEC's recommendations underscore its commitment to enhancing efficiency and inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral system. 

The commission also aims to tackle challenges such as fake news and voter apathy through robust public communication strategies.

As part of the engagement process, Yakubu urged RECs to study the recommendations closely and contribute towards their effective implementation. He also announced that the comprehensive report would be made available to the public in both hard and soft copies.

INEC’s proposed reforms mark a significant step toward a modernised electoral process, potentially enhancing transparency, accessibility, and trust in the system.

“Keep quiet”: Opposition parties blast INEC chairman Yakubu over praise for Ghana's election

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) sharply criticised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, following his recent comments on the conduct of Ghana's presidential election. 

Yakubu had praised the peaceful and transparent nature of the Ghanaian election, advising Nigerian politicians to learn from it.

However, opposition parties in Nigeria, particularly the LP and PDP, were quick to criticise Yakubu’s remarks, accusing him of poor handling of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria.