Due to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System’s inability to identify their fingerprints and facial features in some areas of the state, a number of elderly voters taking part in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election were unable to complete accreditation.
The incidents were recorded at Ward 4, Unit 1 and 2, Ijigbo, Ado Ekiti; Ward 3, Unit 6, Osagburu, Ikere Ekiti; and Unit 3, Eyelori, Ward 2, Iyin Ekiti, among other polling units.
Some of the impacted voters claimed that after arriving early and receiving assistance from Independent National Electoral Commission representatives, they were later denied the right to cast a ballot after several attempts to accredit them were unsuccessful.
Aliyu Sunday, an 86-year-old voter who arrived early at Ward 4, Unit 1, Ado Ekiti, was reportedly unable to cast a ballot because the BVAS was unable to obtain his fingerprint and facial image.
Some of the voters have this to say;
I arrived here around 9 am. But I was told the machine couldn’t read my face. I was told to wait.
“I will wait. I won’t leave until I vote. I will be patient. I have been voting for long. I can remember I voted during Adebayo (When Adeyinka Adebayo) was governor. I voted 4 years ago, too,” he said.
This unfortunate situation highlights the urgent need for thorough preparation and robust testing of the BVAS system before future elections. Such technical glitches and voter disenfranchisement should never occur again.
Authorities must ensure that all issues are resolved beforehand to guarantee a smooth, fair, and credible electoral process, restoring public trust and confidence in the democratic system.
Trust LNReporters to keep you updated on all the election developments.
