If you’ve been curious about how INEC BVAS works, this article will explain it to you.
In less than two months, people will be going to the polls to cast their votes in the general election all around the country.
The 2019 presidential election is almost four years old, yet voter misinformation is still a major issue, making some people fear that democracy will be put to the test more than ever next year.
We believe Nigerians will get it right this time thanks to the BVAS machine, which was introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
So how exactly do the BVAS machines that will be utilized in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections operate?
Let’s start by explaining the definition of the BVAS technology to those who are still unfamiliar with it.
What Is INEC BVAS?
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is a technological tool used for voter authentication during elections in Nigeria. The BVAS is designed to curb electoral fraud and ensure transparency in the electoral process.
BVAS employs biometric technology to identify and verify registered voters before they are allowed to vote. The system captures the biometric data of voters, including their fingerprints, photographs, and other personal information, and stores it in a database.
During an election, a voter is required to present their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to the election officials who then scan the card using a card reader that is connected to the BVAS. The BVAS verifies the authenticity of the card and the biometric data of the voter before allowing the voter to vote.
The BVAS also records and keeps a trail of all the transactions that occur during the election, including the number of verified voters, the time of the transactions, and the voting process. This feature ensures the integrity of the electoral process, reduces the risk of electoral fraud, and allows for proper auditing of the election.
In order to verify and authenticate the voter, the Assistant Presiding Officer (APO 1) must either scan the barcode or QR code on the PVC or voter’s register, enter the last six digits of the voter identity number, or type the voter’s last name.
When registering voters, the BVAS also serves as the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED). The use of incident forms during accreditation on election days has also been replaced by its use.
Overall, the BVAS has been instrumental in ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process in Nigeria.
How to operate BVAS during election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a training video to demonstrate how to operate the INEC BVAS device for accreditation of voters during elections. The video, which was obtained by MandyNews.com, depicts participants being instructed and displaying how to use the device for both facial and finger recognition templates.
It also displays how accredited data can be exported on election day. The demonstration took place at the first batch of zonal trainer training, which is currently ongoing in Adamawa State. The training is for INEC staff and is aimed at teaching them how to properly operate and manage the BVAS device for the efficient conduct of the electoral process.
The guidelines on how to operate the BVAS device for successful voter accreditation. Here are the steps involved:
- Upon receiving the BVAS device, the first step is to obtain your INEC login information.
- Once you’ve logged in, click on the “elections” tab, and a new page will open up.
- Next, obtain the person’s PVC and learn their last name.
- Search for the voter’s last name by clicking on “voters registered.”
- Click on “Accreditation” after typing in the voter’s last name, such as Obala.
- A profile for the voter will be displayed, with all their details from the database.
- Check if the voter’s card matches the one on the BVAS device by clicking on their profile.
- Voter card can be verified using either a photo or a fingerprint.
