The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why photographs of voters appear blurred on the voters’ register and may also appear that way during elections.
Speaking on the issue, INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Lawrence Bayode, clarified that the decision to blur voters’ photographs is a deliberate measure aimed at protecting their privacy and personal information.
According to Bayode, the blurred images are not an indication of any problem with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), as the system retains the necessary information for voter identification and accreditation.
He explained that the measure is strictly for privacy and security reasons, stressing that voters’ personal details must be protected.
“When you see a blurry picture, even on Election Day, it is for safeguards. It is not blurry for the BVAS; it is for the privacy of the owner,” Bayode stated.
His clarification is intended to address concerns among voters who may wonder why their photographs appear unclear on the displayed register, particularly during elections.
INEC maintains that the measure is part of efforts to safeguard voters’ information while ensuring that the accreditation process through BVAS continues as expected.