Despite protests from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday reaffirmed its adoption of the Modified Open Ballot System.
The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) praised INEC for standing firm on the system.
The Nation gathered that the INEC management decided last week not to bow to pressure to dump its preferred system.
It was learnt that although the electoral body took notice of issues raised by the PDP and a few other parties on the ballot system, it insisted on its decision.
A source said: “Before arriving at the ballot system, INEC reviewed past polls and how things went wrong.
“We were able to detect how some politicians took advantage of the ballot system to manipulate the electoral process. What is the essence of electoral reform, if we have to go back to the old ways of doing things?
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, confirmed that INEC would go ahead with the system.
He said: “It is too late for INEC to go back on the Modified Open Secret Ballot System. Besides, all we are after is a free, fair and transparent process. So, we won’t review the ballot system.”
In a statement, National Publicity Secretary of CPC Rotimi Fashakin said: “The CPC has noted with satisfaction the decision of the INEC to adopt the Modified Open Secret Ballot System whereby the Nigerian voters would wait to have their votes counted after casting their votes.
“The CPC welcomes this ingenious decision at ensuring transparency for our electoral process.
“We are, however, befuddled by the spate of the protests from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Police.
“The PDP, we understand; because as a party that had always thrived on election rigging, would without doubt, be flummoxed by this momentous decision.
“But the stance of the Police is infernal, iniquitous and unacceptable.
“The Nigeria Police has no other duty on Election Day, except those prescribed by INEC”
