The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and its function in assisting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in holding credible elections have been the subject of numerous discussions. Because BVAS is intended to eradicate all sorts of electoral misconduct, political analysts believe it will drastically alter Nigeria’s electoral process.
Many people have recently questioned the technology’s effectiveness and application to the 2023 elections, but that is not the article’s focus. Instead, we are here to provide some knowledge of the BVAS and its functions. So let’s move forward, shall we?
The BVAS Technology
The BVAS is a system that uses fingerprint and face biometrics to verify the identification of voters. According to the top official, the three-stage voting method is integrated into the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System. It is a versatile integrated device used as an INEC Results Viewing Device (IReV Device) on election days to upload election results and a Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) during voter registration and accreditation.
IReV is an internet portal where polling unit results are uploaded, transferred, and made publicly available. To view the polling unit results posted on the platform as PDF files, users of the site may also create personal accounts. The BVAS, built inside the INEC Voter Enrollment Device, combines fingerprint and facial authentication to confirm that the voter is holding the PVC.
The BVAS, which serves as both a Smart Card Reader and a Z-Pad, has been referred to as a “technological convergence” and guarantees fingerprint authentication during voter accreditation and does away with the need for incident forms.
Functions
To authenticate voters during accreditation, the BVAS is crucial in determining the validity of voter identification cards. To validate and authenticate voters, the gadget scans the barcode or QR code on the PVC or voter’s register, accepts the last six digits of the voter identity number, or enters the voter’s last name manually. Also, the BVAS serves as the INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED) when people register to vote. The use of incident forms during accreditation has also been abolished due to its use.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s special adviser, Prof. Mohammad Kuna, claims that it is difficult for anyone to tamper with the results uploaded to IReV via BVAS due to the electronic device’s design. Through BVAS, INEC has given Nigerians confidence that elections cannot be rigged, even though that is how in doubt amongst many Nigerians due to the poorly conducted presidential elections.