The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, (KAD-SIECOM) yesterday disclosed that it will require no fewer than six thousand (6000) Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) for the five thousand one hundred and one (5101) polling units in the State ahead of the forthconing local government election in the state anytime soon.
Chairman of the SIECOM in the State Mrs Saratu Binta Audu who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen at the headquarters of the commission on the level of preparedness , said only one of the E-Voting machine is on ground at the moment, which has been tested and confirmed okay.
According to her , the electorate and citizens should not be apprehensive over the use of the Electronic Voting Machines ,but accept it ,particular that they are user friendly ,effective ,fast and has proven to be reliable for credible and fair election outcomes .
Presenting and demonstrating how the EVM system works to newsmen , the SIECOM boss said the machines are smart adding that even the illetrate rural dwellers can understand them and use them effectively.
” We are not unaware that many people will raise questions on the use of EVM system for the election ,but we have concluded arrangements to embark on massive enlightenment campaigns across the state before the local government election .
“We believe that after this is done , all fears sorrouding the use of EVM for our local government election would be allayed ” She stated .
Fielding questions on issues of security , she said , ” We have put in place all security measures to ensure adequate security at all polling units to ensure smooth ,hitch-free election .
Speaking on the integrity of the machine, Mrs.Audu said there is no cause for alarm for those who believe it could be manipulated to produce results in favour of certain political party.
The State Electoral body had earlier made a presentation and demonstration of the effectiveness of the machine before the executive council of the State and relevant security agencies and has received commendations.
She further disclosed that the machine uses processors, flash memories and other safe electronic components, adding that the Electronic Voting cuts out blank and void votes, and at the same time ensures faster counting of votes at the end of the voting process.
“The machine has a terminal weight of 5-10KG, hence very easy to transport and a 16 hours battery life. Venezuela, USA, Philippines, Namibia, Mexico, Haiti, Curaçao, Belgium, Bolivia, and Brazil presently use this system of voting.” She added.
She informed that the commission will embark on adequate awareness and sensitization before the actual election.
