The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it would deploy some of the best card readers machines to Anambra State for its governorship election, to ensure the exercise is hitch-free.
The Director, Voter Education and Publicity in the commission, Oluwole Uzzi, who gave the assurance on Thursday at a Voter Education Providers implementation meeting, in Awka, Anambra state, disclosed that about 5,000 card readers machines had already been tested out of over 6,200 anticipated for the election.
He said the electoral umpire had recorded high level of successes in the use of the machines since its introduction in the previous elections, assuring of a continued improvement in subsequent elections to guarantee more efficiency.
“We would utilize the best card readers machines, not just for the Anambra election, but in subsequent elections, all to make sure the exercise is not only free and fair, but credible and acceptable to all.” he assured.
Uzzi said the commission has been exploring all necessary measures in educating and sensitizing eligible voters on the importance of participating in the exercise, calling for support from other stakeholders.
“All of us have the responsibilities, particularly the political parties who have the greater stake in voter turnout. On our own part, we would continue to explore all options to ensure a hitch-free poll,” he added.
He, however, expressed worry over the quantity of voters cards yet to be collected by the electorates, appealing to those concerned to come for the cards in view of its importance in the exercise.
Earlier, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, described voter education as a critical segment of the electoral process, which helps to build confidence in the electorate to participate actively in the election.
Represented by the Administrative Secretary, Charles Mbanaja, Orji challenged all relevant stakeholders to come up with other strategies to ensure a successful election.
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