INEC REFUTES CLAIMS OF SELLING PVCs IN EDO
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The Independent National Electoral Commission has denied allegations that some of its officials are involved in the sale of Permanent Voter Cards in Edo State ahead of the 21 September Governorship Election.
A civic group, Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy, in a petition dated 23 August 2024, alleged that uncollected PVCs were being sold to politicians in the state.
In response to this claim, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, on Monday, labelled the allegations as baseless, challenging TESA to provide concrete evidence to support their assertions.
“The allegation by Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA) accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of selling uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to politicians in Edo State is untrue.
“The Commission does not sell but issues PVCs free of charge to only registered voters,” Oyekanmi stated, emphasising that the process is transparent and strictly regulated.
Oyekanmi also highlighted that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has made it nearly impossible for anyone to use another person’s PVC to vote.
He warned that any attempt to do so would result in arrest and prosecution on Election Day.
“It is a well-known fact, and we want to assure TESA that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), it has become practically impossible for any voter to use another person’s PVC to vote.
“To that extent, any uncollected PVC cannot be used by anyone to vote during the Edo State Governorship Election. Politicians know this.
“Any person who attempts to do so will be arrested and handed over to law enforcement agents on Election Day. It is also an electoral offence for an individual to have another voter’s PVC,” he added.
The PVC collection process in the state began on Thursday and is scheduled to continue until 8 September 2024.
Oyekanmi pointed out that the process is still ongoing, making any claims of uncollected PVCs being sold premature and unfounded.
INEC has urged TESA and other concerned individuals to present any concrete evidence of misconduct by its officials to the Commission for immediate action.
The CPS noted, “However, we encourage TESA and other individuals with concrete evidence of unethical acts against any of our Electoral Officers to promptly avail the Commission of the evidence for immediate action.”
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