In view of the need to improve the credibility of the coming elections and bring about a high level of public trust, the use of the smart card readers has become mandatory.
This is the verdict of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The commission said the directive became necessary following the claims in some quarters that it was selective in the use of the smart card readers in the last Presidential and National Assembly election.
According to the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mr Festus Okoye, the claim of selective use of the equipment was false.
He said the commission had, in order to correct the wrong impression, vowed to deal severely with any of its officials who might deliberately fail to use the equipment.
His words: “INEC hereby states categorically that the allegations are absolutely false and the speculations are without any basis whatsoever.
“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.”
