2023 Election: BVAS Glitches Evidence Of INEC’s Poor Preparation Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State claims that the Independent Electoral National Commission (INEC) underprepared for the 2023 general elections as shown by the Bi-Modal Voters Accreditation System’s (BIVAS) related delayed performance.

As Wike met with media after casting his ballot at 12:42 p.m. at polling unit 7 in Ward 9, Rumueprikom of the Obio/Akpor local government area, he stated his discontent.

After BIVAS failed to accredit the governor and his wife, Judge Suzzette Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, they were originally unable to cast their ballots. They returned two hours later.

He said that despite INEC’s assurances that it would address the issue that caused voting at the polling place to be delayed, it still didn’t seem to be fully in charge of ensuring the BIVAS system operated to its full potential.

The BIVAS is still not particularly functioning, despite all the promises made since I left this place two hours ago, according to Wike. I don’t want to start to think anything is wrong.

“But it does seem to me that it is the same situation, based on accounts I have heard from other local administrations.

“And now you wonder why Rivers people will have the same experience. I don’t want to be suspect just yet. But I don’t believe it’s really uplifting.

The governor emphasized the need of finding a solution quickly since continuing to ignore the issue may result in the disenfranchisement of registered voters at the polling place and other areas of the State that have similar issues.

My people cannot be denied their rights, he said. As you can see, I’ve never worked an election when such a large throng was present. I anticipate that the voting session (hour) will be extended till 6 pm.

“Look at the time now; voting should have begun at 8:30am and continued until 2:30pm, yet we are just getting started. Hence, I’m not pleased with INEC’s election preparation.

The voters who have shown out are perseverant and putting up with the sweltering weather because they are committed to take part in the process, according to Wike.

The governor said that the electorate is still out in the open to ensure that they exercise their right to vote. We’ve also let them know that we think it will be resolved, but we can’t assume they’ll be patient.

“I think that everyone in Nigeria will want to vote in this election. Thus, INEC should take all action in its ability to ensure that people cast ballots. People won’t be pleased if they don’t cast ballots.

When the governor initially arrived at his voting place at about 10:50 a.m., he was unable to cast his ballot. It was challenging to accredit the governor and his wife since the BIVAS assigned to the unit was unable to operate due to a technical issue.

Miniechat

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