PLSIEC Launches Advanced Voter Verification Software for Credible Plateau Elections – The News Chronicle

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLSIEC) has unveiled an innovative electronic component, which includes a cutting-edge voter verification software developed exclusively by its ICT team.

This announcement was made by the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, during a Stakeholders Engagement held on Thursday in Jos, Plateau State.

According to Cishak, the newly introduced software aims to ensure that only eligible voters are able to cast their ballots, a crucial step in upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that the voices of the people of Plateau State are both heard and respected.

Cishak revealed that PLSIEC initially approached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a request to use the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

However, INEC declined the request. Faced with this setback, PLSIEC was motivated to come up with its own innovation, leading to the creation of this new voter verification software.

Massive investments have been made to ensure the effective deployment of this technology, which will play a pivotal role in securing the election process.

Hon. Cishak emphasizes the importance of transparency and credibility in the upcoming elections.

In line with this, the Commission has established partnerships with various election observers who will monitor the electoral process. This collaboration, he noted, will provide an additional layer of oversight, ensuring that the election is free, fair, and credible.

“In a strategic effort to secure our elections, we have also inaugurated the Plateau State Advisory Consultative Committee on Election Security (PLACCES),” Cishak added.

This newly formed committee will focus on ensuring the safety of both voters and election officials during the electoral process, mitigating any risks that might arise.

He further echoed the words of former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who famously stated that “no ambition is worth the blood of any man,” emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to a peaceful election. “We are dedicated to ensuring a peaceful election, knowing that there is life beyond election day,” Cishak remarked.

As part of its preparations for the upcoming election, PLSIEC has scheduled a mock election to take place on September 28, 2024.

This exercise will serve as a test run for the newly developed voter verification software and will help identify any potential challenges or issues that could arise on the actual election day.

The Commission is determined to use this mock election to ensure that all processes run smoothly and that any gaps are addressed before the official election date, which is slated for October 9, 2024.

“Our goal is to ensure that everything runs seamlessly on October 9, and we are committed to learning from this mock election to improve our systems,” Cishak affirmed.

He also reiterated the Commission’s dedication to building stable democratic institutions at the grassroots level, a mission that aligns with Governor Mutfwang’s vision of empowering every citizen of Plateau State to make their voices heard.

PLSIEC’s efforts have already attracted national attention, with the Commission being recognized as one of the six pilot State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in Nigeria.

Other SIECs across the country are expected to adopt PLSIEC’s innovative template as a model for improving their operations.

In closing, the Chairman called on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious leaders, and the media, to collaborate with the Commission in ensuring the success of this important endeavor.

“We are all partners in this crucial task, and it is essential that we work together to guarantee that the elections are conducted peacefully, fairly, and transparently,” Cishak concluded.

Related