Card readers will improve conduct of elections, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Monday in Akure, Ondo State that the introduction of voter card readers would add value to the electoral system.
INEC National Commissioner in charge of Lagos, Ondo and Osun, Prof. Akinola Salawu, said this during an evaluation visit to Ondo State.
Salawu gave an assurance that the card readers would go a long way in helping to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
According to him, the card readers can help in detecting electoral fraud that may be perpetrated by voters.
He admonished those who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so without delay.
Salawu said the visit was to evaluate areas that the electoral body could improve on as well as block any loophole that might compromise the outcome of the March 28 and April 11 elections.
He said INEC was ready to improve on the success it recorded in the conduct of the 2011 polls.
The INEC boss, however, said it was unfortunate that insecurity in some parts of the country was a major challenge.
Also speaking, Mr Segun Agbaje, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ogun, said that INEC was well prepared for the elections.
Agbaje said that all materials meant for the exercise, including the card readers, were available in INEC warehouses.