CNPP Okays Use Of Card Reader For Polls

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), has expressed its
support for the use of Card Reader for accreditation of voters in the
2015 general elections.

This is contained in a statement signed Mr Osita Okechukwu, CNPP
National Publicity Secretary and made available to newmen on Sunday in
Abuja.

The statement noted that the mock test of the Card Reader conducted by
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had further
emboldened and reinforced its resolve to adopt the device.

It however urged INEC to take note of the `few lapses' observed during
the test and improve on the device to engender free, fair and
transparent elections.

"We are making this declaration because in the absence of genuine
reason, we adopt a device which has been used to conduct free, fair
and transparent elections in many countries.''

The statement said that CNPP concurred with valid evidence that the
use of the Card Reader for accreditation of voters would minimise if
not eradicate snatching of ballot box.

It added that the device would also minimise thumb printing of ballot
papers and snatching of result sheets.

"Accordingly, we take exception to political parties that are
wittingly or unwittingly against the deployment of Magnetic Card
Reader,'' the statement said.
--Vanguard