BIVAS MOCK ACCREDITATION IS HUGE SUCCESS IN ABIA — REC

REPORTER: JOHN MADUAGWU

The mock accreditation of voters using the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System, (BVAS) machine has been described as a successful exercise in Abia State.

The the mock accreditation is part of efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to test run the effectiveness of the BVAS, machine ahead of the general election.

In Abia State, the mock accreditation took part in twelve polling units selected from two local government areas each from the three senatorial zones of the state.

At one of the centres in Umuahia metropolis, Urban 1 Primary School, INEC officials arrived early enough while observers from various political parties, security agencies and journalists were on ground to monitor the exercise.

Some of those accredited, Ms. Chioma Oti, told reporters that she was accredited within few seconds and enjoined INEC to ensure that the machines deployed on election day perform in a similar way.

Some observes, including Mr. Charles Ekeke from the Labour Party (LP) and Mrs. Joy Onwuka from the All Progressives Congress (APC) told Radio Nigeria that they were impressed with the speed of the accreditation process using the BVAS machine and also expressed hope that voters would experience same speed on election days.

Earlier in a briefing, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Abia State, Professor Ike Uzochukwu, said the exercise was aimed at confirming and validating the technology being deployed for the general election, and to fine tune areas where necessary.

He boasted that everything needed for the conduct of the election was ready, while training of security agencies that would be deployed was on going, to be followed by training of adhoc staff.

Professor Uzochukwu lauded the peaceful atmosphere in Abia State and called for continued support of all stakeholders to ensure its sustenance for peaceful conduct of elections.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU