This report serves as a guide for Nigerians on how to proceed at the polling unit on election day, culminating in voting and the announcement of results.
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, is expected to help reduce the cases of manual manipulation of figures. However, the human element remains a major concern.
NewsclickNigeria presents details of how BVAS works and why voters should be vigilant.
Time of voting
Voting is expected to open from 8am to 2pm.
Voters on the queue before 2pm will be accredited and allowed to vote. Even at 2pm, all those who are already on the queue will have the opportunity to vote.
Voting At The Polling Unit: Accreditation
Step One: Join the queue. While there, an INEC official will check if you are at the correct Polling Unit. If you are, you are allowed to stay on the queue. But if you are not at the correct Polling Unit, you’ll be advised to go and locate your Polling Unit.
He will also confirm that the PVC presented actually belongs to you.
Step Two: An INEC official will confirm if your PVC is genuine using the Card Reader. If it is not, you’ll be advised to exit the area. If your card is genuine, you will be asked to place your finger on the Card Reader for verification and authentication that the card in your possession, indeed, belongs to you.
Step Three: An INEC official will also confirm that you are listed in the Voter Register. If you are, the process continues. If you are not on the register, you’ll be advised to leave the area quietly without causing any commotion. That means you can not vote at that Polling Unit. Upon confirmation that your name is on the register, your name would be ticked and your finger will be inked to confirm that you have voted.
Step Four: The presiding officer will stamp, sign and endorse your ballot paper.
Make sure this is done correctly or else if the signing, stamping and endorsing of the ballot paper is incomplete, it renders the ballot paper invalid.
You’ll be given the ballot paper rolled with the printed side inwards.
You will then be directed to the voting cubicle
Step Five: While in the cubicle, you’ll stain your finger with the ink given; and then mark the box for your preferred candidate’s Party.
Roll the ballot paper in the manner you were given and flatten it.
Step Six: Leave the voting cubicle and drop the ballot paper in the ballot box in full view of the people at the polling unit.
Step Seven: Leave the Polling Unit or wait if you wish to in an orderly and peaceful manner to watch the process up to the declaration of the result.
The result of each Polling Unit shall be pasted at the unit for everyone to see.