Anambra Declines BVAS Use for Local Government Polls, Citing Reliability Issues

ANSIEC opts for manual voter accreditation in the upcoming elections, expressing concerns over BVAS performance.

The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has decided not to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for September 28. This decision was announced by Mr. Anthony Nnalue, ANSIEC’s Commissioner for Information and Logistics, during a sensitization event held in Awka by the International Peace and Civil Responsibility Centre (IPCRC).

Addressing participants, including accredited election observers and media representatives, Nnalue expressed doubts over the BVAS system’s reliability. The commission, instead, will rely on manual accreditation for voters, citing concerns raised by its performance in past elections across Nigeria.

Nnalue clarified that the Anambra LG elections BVAS reliability was a significant factor in their decision-making process. He explained, “BVAS has proven unreliable, and we don’t want to risk the integrity of the election results. Manual accreditation has been more dependable in maintaining an accurate electoral process.”

The commissioner assured voters that measures had been taken to ensure the prompt delivery of election materials, with non-sensitive items already en route to local government areas. Furthermore, 5,720 ad-hoc personnel have been trained to manage the election process across the state’s polling units.

“We are prepared for Saturday’s election in terms of security, logistics, and materials,” Nnalue said. He added that elections would not be held in Nnewi South, Orumba South, and Idemili South due to safety concerns, and voters from those areas will cast their ballots at the respective council headquarters.

He encouraged the electorate to participate in large numbers, reiterating that their votes would count, emphasizing that Anambra LG elections BVAS reliability would not be a concern under the manual system.

In addition, Mr. Chris Azor, Coordinator of IPCRC, urged both politicians and voters to avoid unethical practices such as vote-buying, violence, and discrimination. He called on security forces to remain neutral while ensuring human rights are respected throughout the election process. Azor also revealed plans to establish a Situation Room in Awka to monitor and report real-time election developments.

“As accredited observers, we are dedicated to ensuring the Anambra LG elections are free, fair, credible, and peaceful,” he said.