The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) said the smart card readers (SCRs) are mandatory in Saturday’s
governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
Okoye said the clarification was important going
by allegations since the conduct of the Feb. 23, Presidential and National
Assembly elections that INEC was selective in its use of smart card readers in
its conduct of the elections.
He said that those allegations had led to
speculations that INEC may be forced to jettison the use of SCRs in the state
and federal capital area council elections.
“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,” Okoye said.
Source: .nan.ng
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