2021 : INEC works towards electronic voting

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will “work towards the full introduction of electronic voting in major elections starting from 2021.”

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, still votes and collates manually, even though registration for voting has been digitized.

However, human interference in a chunk of the balloting process has led to results being contested in courtrooms following allegations of widespread rigging.

In a policy document, INEC boss Mahmood Yakubu, wrote that the electoral umpire will trial the use of e-voting machines at the earliest possible time, after the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections, but will also “work towards the full introduction of electronic voting in major elections starting from 2021.”

"COVID-19 can't stop elections in Edo and Ondo States" - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will not affect elections scheduled to take place later this year.

The commission had in February 2020 scheduled the Edo governorship election for September 19, and the Ondo governorship election for October 10.

There are also nine other outstanding bye-elections scheduled to take place in different parts of the country.

However, COVID-19 has since infected over 5 million people across the world and crippled social and economic activities around the world.

Even though over 6,000 people have been infected in Nigeria with nearly 200 dead, as of May 18, INEC announced in a statement on Tuesday, May 19, that it is determined to conduct the elections in a safe manner.

"We reassure Nigerians of our resolve and determination to provide the requisite guidance, innovation, and leadership in conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic."