Njikoka, Anambra State (Nigeria): An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly collapsed while on duty in an Anambra community during the governorship election on Saturday.
The incident, which occurred at Polling Unit 005 in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, amid heightened electoral activities, has raised concerns about the physical toll of election duties on personnel.
The presiding officer, Miss Blessing Egoigwe, fainted due to the heat and complaints from a large crowd of people, as well as confusion resulting from the malfunctioning of the BVAS.
The victim was later rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
More than 470 voters were denied the right to cast their votes at Enugwu-Ukwu Community Ward 2, Polling Unit 005, in Njikoka Local Government Area.
The malfunctioning of the BVAS and the difficulty for the machine to recognise the’ cards of newly registered voters’ caused the uproar.
Miss Blessing Okoye, an 18-year-old and first-time voter, said that she was denied the opportunity due to a lack of functional BVAS that failed to capture her fingerprint.
Okoye said that she was pained over the challenge and felt demoralised in the process and appealed to the electoral body to improve the system.
“My hope to vote for a candidate of my choice was dashed by INEC today.
Mrs Ifeoma Iloeze, a 55-year-old voter, said she was unable to vote after waiting since morning until this evening at 6:29 p.m., due to the BVAS failing to capture her face.
Iloeze said that the experience was painful and advised that an alternative voting method should be in place for the next election, as it was disheartening to be denied the right to vote.
The INEC technician was alerted to the situation in the area and visited the polling unit, but there was only a slight improvement.
Some deceased voters were listed on the posted list of registered voters.
Meanwhile, authorities have yet to release an official statement on the condition of the affected staff.
