The introduction of the Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the 2023 General Elections has been applauded, as it was said to have checkmated electoral malpractices that usually accompany previous elections in the country.
The House of Representatives member representing Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Isin/Irepodun Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. AbdulRaheem Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin made the observation today, in Omu-Aran, in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state while answering questions from News Hub Mag!
Hon. Ajuloopin, while assessing the outcome of the just concluded Governorship and State House of Assembly polls, said that he was happy to be part of the process of introducing the machines.
“I am proud of what we have done at the National Assembly. I’m part of the process that made way for the introduction of BVAS. BVAS is what we need in this country to checkmate electoral malpractices.
The Legislator also observed that there was an improvement in the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the use of the BVAS over when it was used in the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 25th, 2023, because the Adhoc staffers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had improved in its use.
“This is an improvement from the February 25th, 2023 elections. What I observed then was that the training that the INEC Adhoc staffers were given wasn’t adequate, but over time, they have improved.
“It showed from their handling of the of the BVAS today. They handled the machines properly and had deep knowledge of it now compared to the first elections, and today, we have seamless electoral process.
While attributing the low turnout of voters in today’s polls to scarcity of cash owing to the currency swap policy, he said that the scarcity of cash changed the narratives as there was no vote buying.
News Hub Mag! reports that Hon. Ajuloopin won his election on Saturday, February 25th, 2023, to make it a record third time in the Constituency, as he said that he has impacted tremendously on the constituents, to deserve the support.
“Honestly, it’s a privilege. In the history of the Constituency, no one has served for three terms before, and I want to tell you categorically that if I show interest in the next election, I will still get the support of my people.
“I have been able to change the narratives in terms of representation, and I am striving and hoping that more goodies will come.
“Few months ago, I did the groundbreaking for the construction of the first Stadium in this Constituency in Omu-Aran. Also, the Bill for the Federal College of Education is awaiting presidential assent.
“These are monumental projects that will change the narratives, and this and other achievements and empowerment that I have done are the reasons my constituents support me.
He also praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his overwhelming achievements in the state, describing it as the magic wand that brings success to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the General Elections.
