The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the smart card readers (SCRs) are mandatory in Saturday’s governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The commission’s National Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye said so on Tuesday.
He made the statement after allegations that INEC was selective in its use of the card reader in the Presidential and National Assembly elections two weeks ago. He said the allegations were not true and INEC has no intention of scrapping the use of the card reader in the coming election.
“The use of the smart card readers is not only mandatory but its deliberate non use attracts the sanction of possible prosecution of erring officials in accordance with the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections.
“This is in addition to the voiding of any result emanating from such units or areas, as was done in the presidential and national assembly elections of February 23.
“The general public and all officials engaged for the elections are hereby informed that the commission is not reconsidering the use of these smart card readers which has greatly improved the credibility of our elections and instilled a high level of public trust in them.
“To clear any doubt or ambiguity, we wish to state that the deployment and mandatory use of SCRs in next Saturday’s elections will not only be uniformed but also universal, and the provisions of the regulations and guidelines will be strictly and vigorously enforced.
“All Stakeholders are to note and be guided accordingly please,” Okoye said.(NAN)