Examining the impact of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a gamechanger in Nigeria 2023 elections

Abstract

The Smart Card Reader (SCR) deployed in Nigeria 2015 and 2019 elections by the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) for  voter accreditation failed to eliminate voting by proxy. Thus, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was introduced. This  revolutionary technology combines voter registration, accreditation, and results transmission in one device. INEC Voter Enrolment Device  (IVED) enrolls new voters; the BVAS accredits voters on Election Day while the same device uploads election results to the INEC Result  Viewing (IReV) Portal. Results show that the voter accreditation process is faster compared to SCR. BVAS has increased election  participation, ensure equitable distribution of seats in the National Assembly, hence promoting inclusivity and sustenance of democracy  in the country. This paper examines how BVAS works, how it protects election integrity, its drawbacks, and possible recommendation for  future elections. Despite its drawbacks, technology is the answer to Nigeria electoral fraud. Its benefits exceed its drawbacks.