From Israel Adamu ,Jos
The mock accreditation conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the weekend recorded poor turnout of voters in Plateau while recording functional BVAS across affected polling units.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr Oliver Agundu, stated that the mock accreditation was to ensure the functionality of BVAS and to provide eligible voters the opportunity to experience what they expect on election day.
It could be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the weekend begun a mock accreditation exercise across the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Agundu who expressed satisfaction with the exercise and the functionality of the BVAS noted that 12 polling units across 6 local governments in the state participated in the exercise.
“We have gone round to monitor the mock accreditation and so far, we are pleased with what we saw.
“INEC has been able to achieve what it set out to do, we have observed that the BVAS are working very well, taking less than a minute for a voter to be accredited, i think that is commendable.
“The essence of this exercise was to ensure the functionality of BVAS and to provide eligible voters the opportunity to experience what they expect on election day.
“We have learned our lessons and we will go back to improve on the little lapses that have been pointed out to ensure a fair, credible and inclusive election,” he said.
The commissioner however decried the poor turnout of voters at the polling units, this he said may be connected to the rumors making rounds that the exercise was for early voting.
He said the commission would improve on its advocacy and enlightenment to erase fears in the minds of the public to gain their trust in delivering a credible election.
He called on relevant stakeholders in the state to join in enlightening the public on the importance of going out to vote during elections as it was the only way to achieve the change they desire.
