In a significant proposed overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system, the National Assembly is considering amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act that would make the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) optional for voting.
The proposed legislation, discussed at a public hearing by the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, seeks to revise Sections 18 and 47 of the current Act. The change is justified by cited technical limitations of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which reportedly fails to utilize the microchip embedded in PVCs.
According to the draft proposal, “The use of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) will not be compulsory, since the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) does not recognise the microchip in the PVC.” The amendment argues this would “totally eradicate the issue of buying and selling PVCs, likewise all related offences.”
The proposal outlines alternative identification methods for voter registration, including the National Identification Number (NIN), a Nigerian birth certificate, or a Nigerian passport.This move comes amid persistent criticisms of the BVAS system, which has faced challenges with voter authentication and result transmission, particularly in areas with poor internet connectivity during recent elections.
The comprehensive amendment package also addresses other critical areas of the electoral process. It proposes to mandate in Section 60(5) that presiding officers transmit results both electronically and manually, including the total number of accredited voters.
Akin Akingbolu of Yiaga Africa, representing civil society organizations, endorsed this measure, stating that “Strengthening the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission of results mandatory… will deepen the credibility of electoral outcomes and ensure votes count.”
Furthermore, the legislation introduces stricter penalties for electoral offenses. A new provision under Section 71(2) proposes a minimum one-year imprisonment or a fine of N1 million, or both, for any presiding or collation officer who distributes unstamped or unsigned ballot papers and results sheets.
These collective proposals represent one of the most substantial potential reforms to Nigeria’s electoral framework since the enactment of the 2022 Act, aiming to address technical shortcomings and enhance the integrity of the voting process.
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