By Abigail Philip David
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering a policy to destroy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that have remained uncollected for a decade, following recommendations from its review of the 2023 general elections.
INEC revealed that over six million PVCs remain unclaimed, with some dating back to 2015. This backlog has prompted stakeholders to propose the withdrawal of these cards, citing their impact on voter management and the low likelihood of eventual collection.
Persistent Issues with PVC Collection
Ahead of the 2023 elections, INEC initiated a collection drive, making PVCs available from December 12, 2022, to February 5, 2023, with extended deadlines and efforts to simplify the process. Despite these measures, a significant number of cards remained uncollected. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and development partners collaborated to support collection efforts, yet the issue persisted.
INEC stated that the uncollected PVCs, many of which may belong to deceased individuals or result from registration irregularities, obstruct voter database management.
Transition to Modernized Electoral Processes
INEC is also exploring the gradual phase-out of PVCs, supported by the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). With BVAS, voters can be identified biometrically or through temporary registration slips, potentially eliminating the need for PVCs altogether. However, this transition would require an amendment to Section 47(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates PVC presentation for accreditation.
Political and Legal Reactions
Political parties and legal experts remain divided over the plan to destroy uncollected PVCs.
– Labour Party: Supports the move, emphasizing the need to address irregularities and declutter the voter register.
– People’s Democratic Party (PDP): Opposes the policy, suggesting it could undermine public trust in INEC and calling for efforts to restore confidence in the electoral system.
– New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP): Warns against wasting resources, advocating for the safekeeping of uncollected cards.
Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have backed INEC’s proposal, citing the cards’ redundancy and potential for misuse. However, others argue for creating greater awareness to encourage collection before resorting to destruction.
Next Steps
INEC is expected to further deliberate on the policy while addressing the concerns of stakeholders. Additionally, its plans to modernize the electoral process, including diaspora voting, signal a shift towards reducing dependency on physical voter cards in favor of more efficient digital systems.
