Anambra LG Elections: ANSIEC Opts for Manual Accreditation, Says BVAS Unreliable

The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has announced that it will not utilize the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the upcoming Local Government elections on September 28, opting instead for manual accreditation.

Speaking at a sensitization program in Awka, organized by the International Peace and Civil Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) for election observers and media personnel, ANSIEC’s Commissioner for Information and Logistics, Anthony Nnalue, explained the decision. According to Mr. Nnalue, the BVAS system has been deemed unreliable due to its poor performance in past elections across Nigeria, prompting concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

“We will not use BVAS but manual accreditation. BVAS is not reliable; it has distorted the electoral process in Nigeria. We do not want a situation where election results are tampered with,” he stated.

He further assured voters that preparations for the elections were well underway, with non-sensitive materials already dispatched to local government areas and 5,720 ad-hoc staff trained for the elections. Mr. Nnalue also guaranteed timely delivery of election materials, a challenge that has plagued previous elections in the state.

“Elections will not take place in Nnewi South, Orumba South, and Idemili South due to security concerns, but voters from these areas can vote at their council headquarters,” he added, urging the electorate to turn out in large numbers.

Chris Azor, the coordinator of IPCRC, also spoke at the event, calling on security agencies to maintain neutrality and uphold human rights and the rule of law throughout the election process. He encouraged voters to reject election malpractice, including vote-buying, violence, and over-voting.

Mr. Azor further announced that the IPCRC would establish a Situation Room in Awka to ensure real-time monitoring and reporting of the elections, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to a free, fair, and peaceful election.

With the elections just days away, both ANSIEC and IPCRC remain optimistic about a smooth and credible process.