South Dayi’s Member of Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of inconsistency regarding the discovery of 10 outdated biometric verification devices (BVDs).
Dafeamekpor claimed that the EC has contradicted itself, initially denying the absence of the BVDs, then acknowledging their loss, and later suggesting they were stolen or auctioned to scrap dealers.
His remarks came after IMANI Africa criticized the EC’s statement about finding the obsolete BVDs at a recycling company in Madina, labeling it as filled with falsehoods and partial truths.
IMANI Africa’s Challenge to the EC In an April 27, 2024 statement, IMANI Africa raised questions about the EC’s claims, particularly regarding the number of BVDs sold at auction and the handling of the remaining devices.
The statement questioned why only 10 BVDs were auctioned out of the reported 70,000 devices, considering the EC’s prior inventory and procurement of new equipment in 2020.
It also raised concerns about the disposal method of the remaining devices, highlighting a pattern of inconsistencies in the EC’s conduct.
EC’s Explanation on Outdated BVDs In response, the EC clarified that the outdated BVDs, acquired before the 2012 elections, were utilized in the 2019 District Level Elections (DLE) under the current Commission.
Despite advice against it due to their lifespan, the previous administration intended to refurbish these devices for the 2018 Referendum and 2019 DLE. However, the current Commission opted for new equipment instead of refurbishment.
To ensure efficient resource utilization and uphold electoral integrity, the Commission replaced the outdated 2012 equipment with new ones.
Regarding allegations of improper disposal, the Commission assured that the auction was transparent, with proceeds deposited in the Consolidated Fund.
