Taofeek Surdiq, Ado-Ekiti

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), at the weekend began the conduct of mock accreditation of voters in some selected polling units in Ekiti State.

The exercise, which is part of the commission’s preparation for the forthcoming general elections,  was used to test run the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BIVAS) machines, approved for use during the conduct of the elections across the country, in some selected polling units in the state.

The exercise held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, was monitored and flagged off by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Ekiti State, Prof. Abayomi Salami.

Some of the polling units visited during the exercise are, Ward 10 Unit 15 Basiri and Ward 9 Unit 17 Okesa areas of Ado-Ekiti.

Speaking during the exercise, the Ekiti State REC, said the Commission had configured the machines to work efficiently without hitches during the forthcoming elections.

He assured Nigerians that the BIVAS machines to be used for the conduct of the forthcoming elections would work effectively during the polls.

The former University don, while reiterated the readiness of the commission to conduct credible and formidable elections, noted that the exercise was aimed towards testing the BIVAS machines ahead of the forthcoming exercise.

“The mock accreditation was to test the efficiency of the BIVAS machines in some selected polling boots in readiness for the conduct of the elections.

“The Commission will do everything to ensure hitch-free exercise, we have all it takes to conduct credible polls.”

The Ekiti State INEC boss, reiterated the readiness of the Commission to rekindled the hope of electorates that their votes would be count, urging them to take active part in the elections by performing their civic responsibility.