Off-Cycle Elections: INEC Sets Date for Mock Voter Accreditation

Nigeria’s Electoral Body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it has concluded plans to conduct a mock accreditation of voters for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in three states.

According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Samuel Olumekun, the test run will take place simultaneously in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States on Saturday 14th October 2023 from 8.30am to 2.30pm local time.

It said the Commission would conduct a mock accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS and upload of polling units results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal, IRe.

The Commission met on Monday and, among other issues, reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States scheduled for Saturday I1th November 2023.

“A maximum of three polling units in each Senatorial District have been identified across each of the three States, covering a total of nine Senatorial District and 27 polling units. Lessons learnt from the exercise will be taken into consideration in ensuring a seamless process on Election Day,” the statement said.

The statement also stated that full details of the polling units, including their locations by Local Government Area, Registration Area/Ward, Delimitation Code and number of registered voters have been uploaded on INEC website and social media platforms.

The Commission stated that the exercise was strictly a test accreditation and not the actual election.

INEC has therefore, appealed to registered voters in the selected polling units to turn up with their Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs for the exercise.

PR/Confidence Okwuchi