The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
From: Rt. Comrade Abdullahi Ladan. National Coordinator, Nigeria Vote and Voters Protection Vanguard.
0806 561 6560
Date: 29 April 2025.
Rejoinder to INEC’s Proposal to Replace PVCs with Downloadable Voters’ Cards and Amend Electoral Framework
We write to express our deep concerns regarding the recent proposals put forth by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) aimed at reforming Nigeria’s electoral framework. Specifically, the suggestions to replace Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with downloadable voters’ cards and to strip the President of the power to appoint Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), replacing them with State Directors of Elections appointed by INEC, raise significant issues that warrant careful consideration.
- Replacement of PVCs with Downloadable Voters’ Cards:
While the intention behind promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the electoral process is commendable, replacing PVCs with downloadable voters’ cards could potentially compromise the integrity and security of the voting process.
The current PVCs, despite their limitations, have been a crucial tool in ensuring that voters are properly identified and authenticated during elections. The shift to downloadable cards may introduce a host of challenges, including:
Technological Barriers:
Not all citizens have equal access to smartphones or the internet, particularly in rural areas. This could disenfranchise a significant portion of the electorate.
Security Concerns:
Downloadable cards could be susceptible to hacking, duplication, or manipulation, undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
Logistical Issues:
The reliability of network services on election day could pose significant challenges, potentially preventing eligible voters from casting their ballots.
Potential Impact on Northern Nigeria:
We are particularly concerned that the implementation of downloadable voters’ cards could disproportionately affect the population of Northern Nigeria, where access to technology and internet services is limited in many areas.
This could further marginalize an already vulnerable region and undermine the electoral participation of its citizens.
In a country where regional disparities are a significant challenge, it is crucial that electoral reforms do not exacerbate these inequalities.
2.Amendment to the Appointment of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs):
The proposal to vest the power of appointing RECs in INEC instead of the President also raises several red flags.
While the aim to enhance the commission’s autonomy is understood, the potential implications of this change cannot be overlooked:
Centralization of Power:
By giving INEC the power to appoint State Directors of Elections, there is a risk of further centralizing power within the commission.
This could lead to accusations of bias, especially if appointments are perceived to favor certain interests over others.
Lack of Checks and Balances:
The current system, where the President appoints RECs, provides a level of oversight and balance.
Transferring this power to INEC might reduce the checks and balances that are crucial for maintaining the impartiality of the electoral process.
Potential for Post-Election Violence:
One of the most pressing concerns with these proposals is their potential to exacerbate tensions and lead to post-election violence.
Credible elections are the bedrock of democratic stability, and any reforms that compromise this credibility could have far-reaching consequences.
The introduction of downloadable voters’ cards and the centralization of appointment powers could both contribute to a perception of unfairness and manipulation, which might provoke unrest.
Recommendations:
In light of the above concerns, we recommend the following:
- PVCs Should Be Retained: Given the potential risks associated with downloadable voters’ cards, we suggest that INEC retains the current system of PVCs while exploring ways to enhance their security features.
2.Collaboration in Appointments:
To maintain the balance of power and ensure the impartiality of the electoral process, we propose that the appointment of RECs (or State Directors of Elections) be a collaborative effort between INEC and the Presidency, with clear guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness.
3.Stakeholder Engagement:
Any proposed reforms to the electoral framework should be subject to broad stakeholder engagement, including civil society organizations, political parties, and the general public, to ensure that the changes reflect the needs and concerns of all Nigerians.
We urge INEC to carefully consider these concerns and recommendations as it moves forward with its proposals.
The credibility and peacefulness of our electoral process depend on the careful balancing of innovation with security, transparency, and inclusivity.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
0806 561 6560