INEC introduces new digital platforms to enhance electoral management

 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled some new digital tools aimed at strengthening the management and transparency of future elections in the country. 

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who unveiled the digital tools at a one-day retreat in Lagos, underscored the strategic significance of technological advancement in the electoral management system. 

He said: “These mobile applications represent our commitment to leveraging technology for transparent and efficient elections. They will transform everything from voter registration to results collation.”

The digital applications unveiled include the Collation & Returning Officers Management System (CROMS) designed to streamline the management of collation and returning officers and the Election Results Management System (ERMS) designed to enhance the process of managing and transmitting election results.

The tools also include the Virtual Election Training System(VETS) which will be used for the virtual training of election personnel, the Political Party Financial Reporting System (PPFRS) designed for managing and monitoring the financial reporting of political parties; the Election Monitoring & Support Center (EMSC), dashboard for real-time election monitoring and support and the Electoral Facility Locator (EFLOC) which is an application designed to help locate electoral facilities.

Yakubu said the introduction of these digital tools signals INEC’s continued efforts to harness technology to improve the credibility and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral processes.

Rudolf Elbling, Team Leader for DAI, commended the Commission’s dedication to technological advancement in electoral administration.

He said the development of the election management systems began in September 2022 following detailed consultations with INEC’s technical team, senior officials and the Chairman.