INEC inaugurates committee on electronic voting

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INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated a 20-member Inter-Agency Technical Committee to evaluate requirements for the successful deployment of indigenously developed e-voting solution by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

The agency had paid a courtesy visit to the commission in June led by the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, to demonstrate a proto-type e-voting machine.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, who was represented by National Commissioner, Okechukwu Ibeanu, while inaugurating the committee at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, said it was good that the commission set up the Technical Committee.

The committee comprised representatives from INEC, NASENI and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

He reiterated the Commission’s commitment towards increasing the application of technology in the electoral process and expressed gratitude that NASENI had developed a machine that would help the electoral process.

Yakubu stressed the importance of electronic application of technology in the electoral process, particularly the voting process.

“It will not only increase the confidence of the electorate in the process, but will also facilitate the work of the commission in many ways than one.

“Part of the challenges the commission has had over the years is the undue delay in votes casting, collation and result declaration. As such, every means of cutting down the turnaround time in the process is highly appreciated,” he said.

Yakubu urged the committee to diligently carry out the assignment and assured them of the commission full support.

“INEC looks forward to the outcome of the work of the technical committee with excitement. The commission is committed to improving on this,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Abbas Gummi, assured that it would live up to the expectations of the confidence reposed on it and would deliver a good report.