The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) has ruled out the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the November 2 local government election in the state.
Chairman of ABSIEC, Professor George Chima, who made the Commission’s position known after he met with the 19 registered political parties in Abia at the state headquarters of ABSIEC in Umuahia earlier today, Wednesday September 25, said their decision not to use BVAs is because of ‘its problematic nature’.
“We know what happened to BVAs, we are not using BVAs,” he said.
Chima spoke against the backdrop of an earlier appeal by a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State, Hon Oluchi Erondu to the electoral umpire to ensure a level playing field for all in the election.
Hon. Erondu also appealed to women in the State to come out en masse and take active part in the forthcoming council election.
She called on ABSIEC to truly be impartial and ensure a level playing field during the poll.
Hon Erondu, National Coordinator of the Coalition of All APC Women Support Groups, in a statement said the appeal had become imperative to ensure a transparent and democratic process.
She emphasized the need for inclusivity, urging the Governor to avoid imposing a Labour Party-dominated agenda, but instead guarantee equal opportunity for participation in the election by all stakeholders, regardless of party affiliation.
“This is our opportunity to shape the future of our local governments. Let’s come out en masse and exercise our civic duty,” she advised APC members.
