The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC announced on Monday that it would hold a mock accreditation on October 14, 2023, in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, ahead of the off-cycle governorship elections.
The Commission had set November 11, 2023, as the date for the off-cycle elections. INEC stated in a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, of the Information and Voter Education Committee, that the mock accreditation would include the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the upload of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.
“The Commission met today, Monday, September 25, 2023, and, among other things, reviewed preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023,” the Commission stated.
“As was the case in recent off-cycle governorship elections, the Commission will conduct a mock accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and upload polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.
“The test run will take place simultaneously in the three states on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
“A maximum of three polling units in each Senatorial District have been identified across each of the three states, covering a total of nine Senatorial Districts and 27 polling units.”
It further stated that lessons learned from the exercise would be taken into consideration in ensuring a seamless process on election day.
“Full details of the polling units, including their locations by local government area, registration area/ward, delimitation code, and number of registered voters, have been uploaded to our website and social media platforms.
“The Commission appeals to registered voters in the selected polling units to turn up with their Permanent Voters’ Cards for the exercise.
“The public is advised that this is strictly a test accreditation exercise and not the actual election,” INEC added
The collection of permanent voter cards commenced on September 11, 2023, and will end on October 9, 2023.
