(DDM) – Voting in the ongoing Anambra State governorship election faced disruption today at Ezienwelu Polling Unit 001, Nimo Ward 2, in Njikoka Local Government Area, as several elderly voters were unable to cast their ballots.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that both men and women, some visibly aged, arrived early at the polling unit, eager to exercise their franchise, but were left stranded when the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failed to capture their details.
Residents expressed frustration over the technical failure, highlighting that many had traveled long distances to participate in the election, only to be delayed by malfunctioning equipment.
The presiding officer at the polling unit confirmed that the BVAS machines repeatedly failed to authenticate several voters, particularly older citizens whose identification details could not be processed.
“The BVAS is not recognizing many of our elderly voters,” said the official, adding that alternative arrangements were being explored to ensure no one was disenfranchised.
Observers noted that the incident echoes previous technical challenges recorded during earlier parts of the election in other areas of Anambra State, including Onitsha, where BVAS glitches disrupted accreditation for hours.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has long relied on BVAS technology to authenticate voters and transmit results electronically, a system designed to prevent fraud and ensure transparency.
However, recurring failures in multiple polling units have raised concerns about the reliability of the technology and its impact on voter confidence, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly.
Local community leaders called on INEC to provide immediate solutions, stressing that delayed voting could discourage participation and undermine the credibility of the election.
Despite the setbacks in Njikoka, reports indicate that voting continued in several other parts of the state, including Aguata, Awka South, and Nnewi North, where accreditation and voting proceeded with minor delays.
Civil society observers emphasized that while technical glitches are not uncommon, proactive measures must be implemented to prevent disenfranchisement, particularly for elderly voters who may find prolonged waiting exhausting.
Voter turnout in Njikoka remains uncertain as polling continues, with residents urging INEC to resolve the BVAS issues promptly to allow every eligible citizen to vote.
Analysts warn that repeated technological failures could cast doubt on the overall credibility of the Anambra election if not addressed quickly, potentially sparking debates among political parties and civil society groups.
INEC officials assured that replacement devices and backup measures would be deployed where necessary to minimize disruption and ensure that all voters, including the elderly, can participate.
The ongoing election continues across Anambra State, with heightened attention on INEC’s management of both logistical and technological challenges to deliver a credible and fair democratic process.
