INEC Receives 2,133 Card Readers For General Elections

The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has
received 2,133 card reader machines and 3,960 plastic ballot boxes to
be used during the general elections.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun state, Dr.
Adekunle Ogunmola, told reporters in Osogbo on Saturday that the
commission was getting ready for the elections that would begin in few
weeks.

He said the electoral body was committed to conducting free, fair and
credible polls.

Dr. Ogunmola said the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) were now being
distributed in all wards across the state.

"What is unique about the election is that accreditation will now be
done with the smart card readers.

"We are expecting the rest card readers.

"The commission has extended it's closing hours for PVC distribution
from 4 O' clock to 5:30pm, including Saturdays.

"The distribution exercise will be suspended at the end of the month
and we will commence training of ad hoc staff that will be used for
the polls," he said.

Dr. Ogunmola also explained that the commission would soon commence
workshops, stakeholders meeting and market rallies on senatorial basis
to mobilise and enlighten the electorates for the elections.

He assured Nigerians that nobody would be disenfranchise, stressing
that a special arrangement had been made to allow the physically
challenged particularly those without thumbs to exercise their
franchise on election day.

A breakdown of those vying for political positions showed that 14
candidates from 14 political parties, with the PDP candidate, Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari of the main opposition
party, the All Progressives Congress, as the major contenders.

Thirty Senatorial candidates across 11 political parties will be
contesting for the three senatorial districts seats in Osun State.
--ChannelsTV