Linking INEC voters’ register with NIN will guarantee election credibility — Aregbesola

The Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to link its voters’ register with the database of the National Identity Management Commission to forestall the challenges of credibility and transparency in the country’s electoral process.

He made the call on Tuesday while presenting the lead paper titled “Towards Free, Fair and Credible Elections,” at the 7th International Conference of the Professional Statisticians Society of Nigeria held at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State.

A statement by his media office, quoted Aregbesola as saying that proposition would automatically end underage voting and multiple registration.

He said, “I am suggesting a more seamless registration system that will be continuous and terminate only few weeks before the election, to allow for compilation and printing of cards. This registration should be synced with the National Identification Number.

“It will automatically eliminate underage voters and the possibility of multiple registration. More importantly, people should be able to do the registration online, on their own. They should only go to INEC office for biometric data capture and card collection only.”

“Another factor in the electoral process is the delineation of voting constituencies and polling units. This should be population based. There is also always chaos on election day as voters will be running helter-skelter, trying to find their polling units. There should be a system of notification or personal check to avoid this confusion

The ex-Osun State governor emphasized on the need for the proper training of INEC officials and party agents to ensure smooth electoral process.