From Gyang Bere, Jos
The Resident Electoral Commissioner Plateau State, Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu has reassured Plateau residents that the commission is ready to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the state.
He noted that elections will not hold in six polling units with one in Bassa; three Jos North; one Mnagu and one in Wase Local Government Areas respectively because no voter registered in such polling units.
Dr. Agundu disclosed this on Tuesday during a stakeholders meeting on the collation of PVCs and preparedness for the 2023 general elections, held at Crest hotel, Jos.
He explained that the commission has ended the collection of PVCs which started poorly in Plateau but ended better in terms of percentage due to their relentless and collective efforts with the stakeholders.
“It is to be noted that in line with the 2022 Electoral Act, only those with PVCs are now permitted legally to vote. No one should insist t vote without PVC and anyone who fails accreditation by BVAS should respectfully give way for others because any attempt to bypass BVAS is likely to result into over voting.”
Dr. Agundu informed the stakeholders that the commission has taken delivery of non sensitive materials of different categories like ballot s boxes, voting cubicle and deployed those materials to respective local government areas.
“I wish to also inform you that ballot papers and result sheets have arrived the state and are safely kept at the Central Bank. I can therefore, confirm that in respect of sensitive materials, we are equally ready for the elections. At the appropriate time, all critical stakeholders will have access to the materials for inspection before deployment to their respective LGAs.”
The INEC REC noted that configuration of BVAS to specific polling units is ongoing and assured that the commission has also taken delivery of reasonable quantity as back-up for any eventuality during voting.
He explained that there is no going back on the deployment of BVAS as an instrument for accreditation of prospective voters to ensure credibility and transparency of the next elections.
Dr. Agundu assured that BVAS will be used as instrument for the transmission of the elections results at the polling unit, adding that the technology devis has legislative backing.
He assured the stakeholders that all issues raised at the meeting would be addressed by the commission to strengthen the electoral process.
The National Commissioner in charge of North Central geopolitical zone, Mohammad Haruna Kudu said INEC is working round the clock to deliver the best and acceptable elections in 2023.