2015 Elections: INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega insists use of card reader is important

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has insisted that the use of the card reader is very important during Nigeria’s general elections.

He said the device would read the card to verify whose details are on the chip of the card and explained that only cards produced by the INEC would right.

“INEC have decided to do authentication bio-metrically by verifying finger print if it matches the details on the card.

“If a card reader fails, does not function, or stops functioning INEC must provide another one between the period of accreditation which is between 8:00am and 1;00pm.

“If they cant replace the card reader, election would be suspended till the following day when a new card reader would be brought to the polling unit.”

Professor Jega said the commission had met with political parties on the use of card readers and was worried that political parties were not sensitising people to collect their cards

He opposed claims that the INEC was distributing voter cards in some region more than others. “There is no proof to the saying,” he said, emphasising that “those whose PVCs are yet to be produced will have extended date for collection”.

On device hacking, Professor Jega believes the card reader cannot be hacked because it has been tested and proven, noting that there are more gains than losses in the use of the electronic device.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, the chairman of the INEC also noted that collection of the voter card by proxy was prohibited because the commission was aware that politicians would take undue advantage of the process.

“We are confident that nobody can use another person’s card to vote,” he added.

He noted that loitering around after the exercise was not advisable, unless those voters wait peacefully for the ballot papers to be counted without being violent.

Credit: Channels