The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has declared it will not use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the upcoming Local Government elections on September 28, citing reliability concerns.

During a sensitization program organized by the International Peace and Civil Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) in Awka, Anthony Nnalue, ANSIEC’s Commissioner for Information and Logistics, revealed the commission’s choice to adopt manual accreditation, labeling it as a more trustworthy option.

“We will not use BVAS; instead, we will rely on manual accreditation. BVAS has proven to be unreliable and has distorted the electoral process in Nigeria. We want to avoid any tampering with election results,” he stated.

Nnalue further assured the public that election materials would arrive promptly, addressing previous issues with delays. He confirmed that non-sensitive materials were already being delivered to local government councils and highlighted the training of 5,720 ad-hoc staff who will manage the elections across various polling units.

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“We are fully prepared for the election in terms of security, materials, and logistics,” he mentioned. However, he noted that elections would not occur in Nnewi South, Orumba South, and Idemili South, where voters will be directed to cast their ballots at the council headquarters for safety.

Nnalue encouraged citizens to engage actively in the electoral process, assuring them that their votes would be counted.

In addition, IPCRC Coordinator Chris Azor called on both politicians and voters to remain vigilant against vote-buying, violence, gender discrimination, and over-voting. He urged security agencies to uphold neutrality while ensuring the protection of human rights and the rule of law.

Azor also announced the setup of a Situation Room in Awka for real-time coordination and reporting, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to facilitating a free, fair, credible, and peaceful local government election in Anambra State.