We Do Not Conduct Elections On Social Media, Nor Do We Count Ballots On Twitter – INEC

Following reports that 20 million Permanent Voter Cards were lying unclaimed in its vault, the Independent National Electoral Commission raised concerns regarding the 2023 elections on Wednesday.

The commission also chastised citizens for their low engagement in the ongoing continuous voter registration process.

INEC Deputy Director (Voter Education), Mary Nkem, made the remarks in Abuja at the commencement of the PVC Bus Drive programme, which was organized by the Advocacy for Civic Engagement, a non-governmental organization.

As a result, she urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to participate fully in the process of electing new leaders who would bring about meaningful change and propel the country forward.

She believes that ballots, not social media, will determine the winners of the 2023 general election.

Nkem said, “This CVR exercise began on June 30 2021; but we have discovered that between that time and a few weeks ago, the turnout has been relatively low.

“If the youths in this country would come out en masse to cast their votes, we will no longer be recording 15 or 20 per cent voter turnout in our elections, because we know that the population of the youths alone can make a difference.

“The youths no longer visit the social media, they basically live there today. Therefore, when you want to reach out to them, you must go to where you will meet them – social media.

“However, I will like to say that INEC does not conduct an election on social media nor do we count ballots on Twitter or Instagram.

“Our ballots are counted in the ballot box. It is only the ballot paper that enters into the ballot box that the commission counts.

“So, what does that mean? It means that on election day people must go out to cast their votes. For you to be able to do so, you must be a registered voter and in possession of a PVC.”

Obinna Osisiogu, Executive Director, Advocacy for Civic Engagement, stated that the PVC Bus Drive Project would assist at least 60% of eligible young voters in registering, collecting their Permanent Voters Cards, and voting in the 2023 elections.

According to him, the programme was started to remove logistical impediments that were preventing some Nigerians, particularly those in rural regions, from participating in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise and receiving their PVCs.

As part of the conventional and non-traditional ways of political mobilization, Osisiogu said that ACE, in cooperation with Yiaga Africa and the UNDP, would provide free bus service in two area councils in the FCT, as well as across the LGAs in Ondo and Ogun states.