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The Unprecedented Dilemma: Inside INEC’s Struggle with Millions of Uncollected PVCs
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering a policy to withdraw and destroy over six million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
This proposal aims to enhance the efficiency of the voter management system by removing outdated and unclaimed cards.
The uncollected PVCs include those issued as far back as 2015. Despite extended collection periods and various initiatives to encourage collection, a significant number of PVCs remain unclaimed.
INEC’s review of the 2023 general elections identified this issue and recommended the withdrawal of PVCs that have been uncollected for extended periods.
The proposed policy is part of INEC’s broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s electoral process, which may include the gradual phase-out of PVCs and the introduction of alternative voting methods, such as diaspora voting.
With the adoption of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), voters could potentially use computer-generated slips or credentials downloaded from INEC’s website for accreditation, reducing the reliance on physical PVCs.
While the policy is still under consideration, INEC has emphasized the importance of streamlining the voter management system to ensure a more efficient and accessible electoral process for all Nigerians.