Members of the National Assembly are considering a major change to Nigeria’s electoral law that could make the use of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) optional during elections.
The proposal, now under review, seeks to amend key sections of the 2022 Electoral Act to allow other forms of identification for voters.
The amendment, which targets Sections 18 and 47 of the Act, argues that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) does not recognise the microchip embedded in the PVC. Lawmakers say this makes the card unnecessary for accreditation during voting.
“PVC Will Not Be Compulsory”
According to the proposed amendment, Nigerians could instead use their National Identification Number (NIN), birth certificate, or international passport to confirm their identity at polling units.
The proposal was discussed during a public hearing of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on Monday in Abuja.
“The use of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) will not be compulsory, since the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) does not recognise the microchip in the PVC. Every registered Voter will be able to download and print their voter’s card whenever needed. This totally eradicates the issue of buying and selling PVCs, likewise all related offences,” the proposal reads.
The suggested change also seeks to delete Section 22 of the Electoral Act, replacing it with provisions that simplify voter registration and verification.
Concerns Over BVAS and Past Elections
Since its introduction, BVAS has faced mixed reactions. While praised for improving voter accreditation, the device has also drawn criticism over poor performance during elections.
Many Nigerians complained of BVAS failures, low battery life, and slow result uploads during the 2023 general elections. Several eligible voters were also unable to collect their PVCs due to administrative delays, long queues, and missing cards.
Lawmakers and civil society groups say making alternative IDs acceptable could prevent voter disenfranchisement and reduce incidents of PVC-related fraud.
Push for Electronic Transmission of Results
In addition, the National Assembly is also proposing to make electronic transmission of results compulsory.
A new amendment to Section 60(5) states: “The Presiding Officer shall transmit the results, including the total number of accredited voters, to the next level of collation both electronically and manually.”
Supporters of the move believe it will strengthen transparency and reduce result manipulation.
Civil society groups, including Yiaga Africa, have urged the inclusion of full electronic voting in the law.
“Strengthening the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission of results mandatory, including the upload of polling unit level results and results sheets used at different levels of result collection. This will deepen the credibility of electoral outcomes and ensure votes count,” said Akin Akingbolu of Yiaga Africa.
Stiffer Penalties for Election Officials
Another proposed change introduces stiffer penalties for election officers.
Section 71(2) recommends at least one year imprisonment or a ₦1 million fine for any presiding or collation officer who distributes unstamped or unsigned ballot papers and result sheets.
This measure, lawmakers said, is aimed at ensuring accountability during result collation and curbing tampering at polling centres.
WARNING: If You Are Not 18+, Don’t Click The Link Below 👇🫣
https://rayvirtual.com/m3e85u39j?key=f0014e9d9438d5115e4d66e73ca3f04b
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.
Never Miss A Single News Or Gist, Kindly Join Us On WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vad8g81Eawdsio6INn3B
Telegram Channel:
https://t.me/gistsmateNG
