2023: INEC to adopt cutting-edge technology

By Laraba Raphael

As part of continual efforts to improve the conduct of the  general elections , Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) has said ahead of the 2023, the commission is determined to introduce cutting- edge technology that will enhance the electoral process.

The INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity Department (VEP), Mr Nick Dazang, stated this at a workshop for the department on the “Review of National Voter Education Manual” held in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The five-day workshop is organised by INEC in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).

Speaking  with newsmen Mr Dazang on the sideline of the workshop, said INEC began the process for electronic voting since 2004 when it introduced optic map registration forms.

He said after that in 2010, the commission introduced the use of direct data capture machines, and then expanded the use of the machines in the conduct of the 2011 election.

Mr Nick Dazang further said that  the commission is reviewing this process with a view to upgrading and improving the conduct of elections in 2023.

He maintained that the commission wants to introduce new technologies that will help deepen the conduct of the elections, and also improve on them and is  working assiduously towards achieving it in subsequent elections..

The INEC National Commissioner noted  that in introducing the new technologies, INEC would revisit the use of card readers and likely to introduce other technologies that will work seamlessly with elections in 2023.

Mr Dazang said that the commission was also reviewing its voter education to enable it to explain better the planned technologies to Nigerians.

The WFD Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola, expressed the foundation’s continued determination and support for INEC to deepen voter education in Nigeria, especially at the grassroots.