In a recent landmark ruling, Senator Natasha secured victory based on the principle that “Election commences and concludes at the polling unit,” as highlighted by Jibrin Sam Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The verdict signifies a pivotal shift in the electoral landscape, emphasizing the crucial role of individuals in managing polling units to ensure strict adherence to electoral laws and processes set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As citizens and accredited polling unit agents, there’s a call to action to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by overseeing critical aspects:
1. Mandatory Original Result Sheets:
It is imperative to verify the availability of original result sheets before the commencement of voting. If absent, the election should not proceed.
2. BVAS Verification:
Ensure that the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) reflects a ’00’ accreditation status.
3. Consistency in INEC Identification:
Cross-verify that the INEC identification tag on the BVAS matches the registered number.
4. Proper Ballot Paper Handling:
All ballot papers must be correctly stamped before issuance to voters.
5. Accredited Voter Count:
Post-voting, transmit the number of accredited voters to the INEC server before the ballot count. Ensure the BVAS remains online during this transmission.
6. Transparent Result Calculation:
All result calculations must be transparent and recorded on plain paper before transcribing to result sheets, preventing overvoting that might invalidate the polling unit’s results.
7. Prioritize Accredited Voter Count:
Sacrifice votes if necessary to ensure that the total vote count remains equal to or less than the number of accredited voters—an essential measure.
8. Proper Documentation:
Complete and sign result sheets accurately, regardless of victory or defeat.
9. Online Result Transmission:
Transmit a picture of the signed result sheet online via the BVAS to prevent potential manipulation that might occur through offline transmission.
10. Photographic Evidence:
Use personal phones to take pictures of the signed original result sheets. This documentation serves as vital evidence in Election Tribunals, particularly that of the accredited agent.
11. Duplicate Result Sheets:
Ensure that the agent secures a legible copy among the first three duplicates of the result sheets.
12. Secure Transport to Collation Centre:
Escort the results to the Collation Centre for further processing.
The enforcement of strict compliance with these measures is crucial to securing the sanctity of the electoral process. Victory hinges on ensuring these guidelines are meticulously followed.