Use e-card reader in Ekiti, Osun polls, APC tells INEC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday called on the INEC to make use of e-card readers during the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
INEC had earlier said that it would not use the card readers for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.
It had, however, said that the non-deployment of card readers would in no way affect the credibility of the elections.
NAN reports that the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun are billed for June 21 and August 9 respectively.
In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC said that use of the e-card readers would show INEC’s commitment to free, fair and transparent polls.
The party stated that using the simple but full-proof device for the polls would make it possible for INEC to fine-tune its deployment programme nationwide for the 2015 general elections.
It stated that INEC must stop trying to justify why it could not use the e-card reader during the two governorship elections.
“Contrary to what INEC has said, the e-card reader is very adaptable and its application is not subject to any environmental peculiarity once the basics of operations are met,” the APC said.
According to the party, the most compelling reason for the use of e-card reader by INEC is that it will eliminate the rigging of elections through the use of stolen or purchased voter cards.
“E-card reader will also ensure that only those with authentic voter cards are allowed to cast their votes on election day.
“Impersonation, multiple voting and endless altercations and associated tension will be eliminated at the voting centres,” the party said.