The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday said the use of smart card readers is mandatory in Saturday’s governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
INEC said the clarification was important going by allegations since the conduct of the February 23, Presidential and National Assembly elections that INEC was selective in the use of smart card readers in the conduct of the exercise.
The Commission said the allegations had led to speculations that INEC may be forced to jettison the use of Smart card readers in the state and FCT area council polls.
“INEC hereby states categorically that the allegations are absolutely false and the speculations are without any basis whatsoever.
“The use of the smart card readers is not only mandatory but its deliberate non use attracts the sanction of possible prosecution of erring officials in accordance with the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections.
“This is in addition to the voiding of any result emanating from such units or areas, as was done in the presidential and national assembly elections of February 23.
“The general public and all officials engaged for the elections are hereby informed that the commission is not reconsidering the use of these smart card readers which has greatly improved the credibility of our elections and instilled a high level of public trust in them”. INEC said.
(NAN)