IMANI Africa has expressed reservations regarding the Electoral Commission (EC)’s management of 10 outdated Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) reportedly uncovered at a recycling facility.
In a statement issued on Friday, April 26, 2024, the EC clarified that the 10 BVDs discovered at a recycling plant in Madina were antiquated devices that had been lawfully auctioned.
In response to the EC’s clarification, IMANI Africa raised concerns about the procedural aspects of the auction, seeking clarification on various fronts.
The organization specifically questioned the identity and licensing status of the auctioneers involved, as well as the methodology employed during the auction.
Moreover, IMANI Africa requested information regarding the identities of the successful bidders and the reasoning behind their acquisition of outdated devices intended for electoral use.
Furthermore, the organization expressed doubt about a commercial recycling plant’s involvement in handling such devices, given the potential sensitivity of the data they may contain.
IMANI Africa urged the Electoral Commission to furnish transparent and comprehensive information regarding the auction and disposal process of these BVDs, emphasizing the paramount importance of maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.