The Anambra State office of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday said that no fewer than 6,200 card readers would be used for the November 18 governorship election.

Speaking on Thursday at a voter education providers implementation meeting in Awka, the INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Oluwole Uzzi explained that about 5,000 of the cards had already been tested and ready for use.

He said the commission had recorded high level of successes in the use of the machines since its introduction in the election process, pointing out that improvements on the machines would continue to be made in subsequent elections to guarantee more efficiency.

According to him, INEC would utilise the best card readers’ machines, not just for the Anambra State election, but in subsequent elections so as to ensure the exercise is not only free and fair, but credible and acceptable to all.

Uzii said: “All of us, particularly the political parties who have the greater stake in voter turnout, have responsibilities to ensure the overall success of the election. On our own part, we will continue to explore all options to ensure a hitch free poll.”

While expressing worry over the number of voters’ cards yet to be collected by registered voters, he appealed to those concerned to go to INEC offices for their cards in view of its importance in the exercise.

He also said that the commission had taken necessary measures to educate and sensitize eligible voters on the importance of participating in the exercise even as he called for more support from other stakeholders.

On his part, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji described voter education as a critical segment of the electoral process, adding that it helps to build confidence in the electorate to participate actively in the election.

The INEC boss, who spoke through the Administrative Secretary of INEC in the state, Mr. Charles Mbanaja called on all relevant stakeholders to come up with other strategies aimed at ensuring a successful election.

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