The 2023 election report released by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) highlights the pivotal role of technological advancements, specifically the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), in fortifying electoral integrity and mitigating fraudulent activities.
In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the release elucidates how advanced technology, particularly the BVAS, will address public concerns regarding the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
Published on the INEC website, the report emphasizes the significance of conducting a BVAS functionality mock accreditation exercise on the eve of the election. This exercise allowed the Commission to meticulously test-run the system in preparation for the 2023 General Election.
The report sheds light on key activities leading up to the 2023 general election, including Off-Cycle, Bye-Elections, and Re-run Elections conducted between August 2019 and July 2022 to fill executive and legislative positions in 145 constituencies nationwide. It also underscores the challenges faced in conducting elections during the global COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the Commission to develop innovative policies to ensure public safety in accordance with advisories from national and global health authorities.
Furthermore, the report highlights innovations implemented by the Commission between 2019 and 2022, making the 2023 General Election unique. It was the first general election conducted after the amendment of the Electoral Act in 2022. Importantly, the Presidential and National Assembly election adhered to the schedule without any postponements due to logistics or other challenges, a notable departure from previous electoral cycles.
In line with the Commission’s commitment to transparency and tradition over the last four electoral cycles, the official INEC report on the 2023 General Election, spanning 526 pages and structured into 13 chapters, has been released. The document is enriched with 60 tables, 14 boxes, and 10 graphs, providing an in-depth analysis of key processes, achievements, challenges, and valuable lessons learned.
The report also highlights the election’s diversity in party representation, showcasing democratic progress with four political parties winning gubernatorial races, seven parties securing senatorial seats, eight in federal constituencies, and nine in State legislatures—a significant shift in political representation across Nigeria.
Various aspects, including logistics, security arrangements, staff recruitment and training, inclusivity measures, and the electoral framework, are comprehensively covered in the report, offering a holistic view of the 2023 General Election.
