As one of the largest democracies in Africa, Nigeria’s 2023 general election marks a crucial moment for Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights. The decision made in this poll will go a long way to shape the country’s future, hence its significance. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly’s (which includes members of the Senate and House of Representatives) election to hold on Saturday, 25th February 2023, and the Governorship and State Assembly election to hold on Saturday, 11th March 2023. Although there will be significant concerns of the potential for a free and fair election, this election presents an opportunity for Nigerians to come together and make their voices heard, as the ballot is the most powerful tool for citizens to express their views, and exercise their democratic rights. Part of ensuring that Nigeria continues to consolidate and strengthen its democracy is making sure every eligible citizen who has a Permanent Voters Card (PVC) comes out to exercise their right to vote. To give clarity on what to expect on election day, we have put together step-by-step guidelines for voting and what to expect as released by INEC.
Voting Guide
Step 1: Join the waiting line at the polling station. When it gets to your turn, an INEC representative will reach out to you to verify that you are in the proper polling unit and that the PVC you are presenting is actually yours.
Step 2. Using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), an INEC officer will check your PVC to determine whether your PVC is legitimate, and issued by INEC. This will be done by matching the voter’s fingerprints or face (facial recognition) using the BVAS
Step 3: An INEC officer will inquire about your PVC, check your name and other PVC details, and confirm your inclusion in the Voters Register. When this is confirmed, your name will be checked and your finger will be marked with an ink. This is done to verify that you have voted. Voting is not possible if your name cannot be located in the Voters Register.
Step 4: Your ballot paper will be stamped, signed, and dated by the presiding officer. The ballot paper will be handed to you rolled with the printed side inward, and you will be guided to the voting cubicle where you will cast your vote.
Step 5: At the voting cubicle, trace your favourite candidate’s logo on the ballot paper, apply the provided ink on your finger, and neatly mark it inside the box next to the party’s logo. It is important that you know and can recognise your candidates’ party logo as only the logos of political parties are displayed on the ballot paper. When you are done, the ballot paper should be rolled and flattened vertically according to the instructions. You should note that taking pictures of the ballot paper or even going to the voting cubicle with a mobile phone is prohibited.
Step 6: Leave the voting booth and place the ballot paper in the voting box in front of everyone at the polling unit.
Step 7: After voting, you can stay within the polling area to observe the procedure up until the results are announced in a calm and orderly manner. The results will be posted on the Publication of Result Poster EC60 (E) at the polling unit for public viewing.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s general election is an opportunity for its citizens to exercise their civic rights, shape the future of their country, and uphold the principles of peace, order, and democracy. We urge all Nigerians to participate in the election, vote for the candidate of their choice and maintain peace and order in the days and weeks ahead.
