B-VAS: INEC to Conduct Mock Accreditation in Bauchi

Nasir Shuaibu, BAUCHI

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said all arrangements and plans have been concluded to conduct Mock Accreditation to test run the B-VAS in the State. 

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alh Mohammed B. Nura disclosed this during a one-day sensitization stakeholders meeting, Tuesday in Bauchi. He noted that the Commission is going out to conduct a test run of the B-VAS commencing from Saturday 4th February 2023.

According to the REC, the Mock Accreditation will be conducted in twelve (12) polling units in six (6) Registration Areas/Wards across the three (3) Senatorial zones located in Bauchi, Darazo, Katagum, Ningi, Toro, and Zaki LGAs respectively. 

Nura said that the exercise will allow voters to confirm their eligibility to vote during the 2023 general elections and INEC is inviting all stakeholders to witness the events. 

According to the REC, "As a critical stakeholder, you have a very important role to play to ensure that citizens/voters are well informed about the new technologies that will be deployed for the conduct of the 2023 General Election."

He explained that the collection of the PVC has been extended to 5th February and the conduct of the elections will be predicted on the total number of PVCs collected, adding that PVC is the only guarantee that will allow the electorates into Polling Units to vote. 

He called on the general public to use the extension period to go and collect their PVCs before the expiration deadline. Saying that "No PVC, No Voting."

Nura, further explained that political parties were given equal access to upload to the portal the list of agents that will represent them at all the polling units during the elections. 

The REC also disclosed that the Commission will equally welcome party agents to witness the distribution of sensitive materials at all levels in the State. 

He urged all the political parties in the state to reciprocate by eschewing violence and inciting remarks against opponents during the electioneering campaign so that all measures put in place result in a successful 2023 General Election in the State. 

The meeting witnessed the presence of traditional and religious leaders, security personnel, Civil Society organizations, political parties, and NURTW among others. 

On their part, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Alhassan Aminu who was ably represented by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the operation, Bello Shehu assured of the Command preparation and redness in tacking all political violence before, and during, and after the election.