Bayelsa kogi poll inec insists on use of card reader

According to recent reports, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has insisted that the use of Card Readers will be mandatory in the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states.

This decision was made known by the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja. Yakubu emphasized that the Card Readers will be used to authenticate the identities of voters and prevent multiple voting.

The INEC Chairman also stated that the Commission has taken measures to address the challenges that arose during the 2019 general elections, including the malfunctioning of Card Readers. He assured that the Commission has tested and re-tested the Card Readers to ensure they are functioning properly.

The use of Card Readers has been a subject of controversy in Nigeria, with some critics arguing that it can be prone to malfunction and may disenfranchise voters. However, INEC has maintained that the technology is essential to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

The Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections are scheduled to hold on November 16, 2019. The elections will be a crucial test for INEC's preparedness and ability to conduct free and fair elections.

What are your thoughts on the use of Card Readers in elections? Do you think it's an effective way to prevent electoral fraud, or are there better alternatives?