From Princely Onyenwe
The reactions of NIGERIANs on the failure of BVAS to transmit some results to the INEC portal is normal.Reason is that the machine is facing a lot of network failure because of its gradual acclamatization to the environment.
The BVAS is an electronic device and there is no part of the world that doesn’t witness network failure.Such failure could come from service providers or unreachable locations where there is no network service.
Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is an electronic device designed to read Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and authenticate voters – using the voters’ fingerprints. This is the first of it’s kind in NIGERIA.
Recall that before the election the BVAS machines were duly tested to ascertain its durability and workability but regrettedly the network connection is not going through in some areas because of lack of service connection.The uploads fluctuates and gets steady at intervals and that is the cause of the BVAS delay in transmission of some results.
One cannot begin to compare our environment with he western world where such service providers have established for decades.This is the first time NIGERIANs are using the BVAS machine which was introduced by INEC to give the people a free and fair Election.
NIGERIANs should therefore be calm as the uploads are ongoing gradually. There is no doubt the process will definitely be delayed while INEC has promised to give Nigerians the best Election ever, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu recounts.
Our correspodent reports that majority of the states toured in this Election are complaining same failure to upload results while the network has continued to fluctuate.While the INEC Chairman has shifted its process to 11am, the Electorates are optimistic to see a credible and transparent collation and declaration of winners.
However there is hope that since the BVAS machines are less responsive to the environmental service network, the pronouncement of results will be delayed until all uploads are done.The situation should not cause tension or breed unecessary mixed feelings that the process maybe hijacked.It is not also good to talk down on the efforts if INEC so far invested to give the country a credible voting process.
It is normal to expect some hitches in the process for lack of proper funding and experimentation.This is the Use of the BVAS machines in an election of this sort and there is no how INEC can get it hundred percent perfection.
At least from observations made during the voting process, the election was peaceful and the Electorates complied with the rules. It was only in few areas that were below score for lack of proper orientation and education.
Records of ballot snatching and Thuggery during the process is low and the turnout of Electorates was encouraging.
Meanwhile, “Voting the preferred candidates is one good step and announcement of results by the election umpire without manipulation or rigging will surely sustain this introduction of BVAS machines for subsequent Elections.
Experts have advised the voters to calm down while finding possible solution as topmost priority of INEC to upload and declare the winners accordingly.
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