The Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu Community in Anambra, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, has called on INEC to test run the Bi-modal Voters Verification System (BVAS)before deployment in future polls

Mr Ilouno said this was necessary because the BVAS technology did not perform optimally during the just-concluded November 6 Anambra governorship poll.

He called on the authorities of the electoral body to study the connectivity strength of each network in each area of the state and know the connectivity SIM to use in any BVAS device.

“It seems BVAS device operators during the governorship poll did not know much about the technology.

“INEC should have deployed its intelligence officers or engineers to go around and know the network – MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile – that works perfectly in each community or an area.

“For instance, if the BVAS device deployed to my community, Ifitedunu and its adjoining communities has SIM other than MTN, it would virtually not function.

“It is only MTN network that is strong and serves us here even if you are in a remote farming area of the community, you get connected.

“So anyone coming with BVAS device that has other network connectivity SIM rather than MTN SIM will definitely find things difficult in my community.

“In another way, the BVAS device should be configured in a way to allow all major national network connectivity SIMs to be used in each single BVAS device to allow for quick alternative switch-over.

“So, INEC engineers and intelligence officers must test- run their technological device or devices first within the generality of a given voting area and community before the election day proper.

“This particular BVAS device is a replica of those currently used in some advanced countries and it works perfectly well over there without any hitches.

“It is left for INEC and its engineers, including device consultants if available, to do a thorough local device check before subsequent elections,” he said.

The traditional ruler, however, lauded INEC for admitting “the hitches and delays the BVAS devices caused” and agreeing to work on it going forward. 

(NAN)