Posted by The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is already working to address potential problems with election results brought on by blind network spots, according to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the commission’s chairman.
The INEC chairman reportedly said this on Friday during a one-day strategic interactive session with journalists in Lagos, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The INEC chairman’s response came after Nigerians expressed concerns about the viability of using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in areas with weak network coverage because it was network-dependent.
On Tuesday, Yakubu announced, the commission would meet with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to discuss potential problems with the transmission of results on mobile networks.
He claimed that Nigerians needed not worry about the BVAS’s ability to transmit results effectively in the general elections of 2023.
For the elections in 2023, the INEC chairman said the organization was working with NCC to ensure a smooth transmission of results.
“INEC has identified blind spots (areas with inadequate or nonexistent networks), and we are putting measures in place to ensure there won’t be any issues.
“To ensure that we transmit without blind spots, we are collaborating with the NCC. They are the network regulators, and their contribution will be crucial.
He declared, “We are taking precautions and working hard so that we transmit freely all across the nation.
Earlier, Mr Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, asked the media to continue to assist the commission to fight misinformation.
Okoye said 84 days before the general elections, the spate of fake news and misinformation on the electoral processes had become worrisome for the commission.
He claimed that in order for the general elections in 2023 to be successful, the media must help combat the threat of false information.
Earlier in his opening remarks, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Mr Olusegun Agbaje said the media had continued to play very important roles in sustaining democracy in Nigeria.
He urged the media to assist the commission in further ensuring that information on the upcoming elections remained accurate and balanced.