INEC Takes Delivery Of DDC Machines

The Direct Data Capture Machines (DDC) to be used for the voters registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in January have started arriving into the country.

The chairman of  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, in an interactive forum warned that the electoral body would follow strictly with the time table released last month by the body.

Jega who was represented by the National Commissioner for INEC, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River State, Mrs. Thelma A. Iremien reassured Nigerians that INEC had concluded plans to stop all forms of electoral frauds and malpractices in 2011 and beyond.

He noted that INEC cannot afford to make mistake of the past, stressing that to have a credible, fair and free election in 2011, is the responsibility of all Nigerians and stakeholders.

The INEC boss warned that politicians should not see election as a do or die affair, adding that if the people elect their leaders, there would be development and peace.

He further said the voters registration exercise would commence as scheduled and warned that double registration would be detected by the machine and such persons would not have a voter’s card.

He further said INEC would engage Nigerian Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for both the registration exercise and election stating that INEC is collaborating with the Nigerian Airforce on how to airlift some materials to some areas where cars cannot reach.

Jega said already the INEC has trained some staff that would train the adhoc staff that would carry out the registration exercise in various wards across the country.

Earlier, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Hon. Aniedi Ikoiwak said the purpose of the forum was to acquaint the people with the preparedness of INEC on the 2011 registration and election.

Ikoiwak commended political parties that have started the process of identifying flag bearers in the forthcoming elections and praised them for the peaceful atmosphere that exists during the exercise.

“We know that once in a while there must be some misunderstanding amongst you but the ability to handle such without breach of law and order is what makes the process very democratic and a family affair”, he said.

Eze Ifeanyi Harry