An Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Presiding Officer collapsed during the Anambra governorship election on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident took place at polling unit 005 in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area.
The presiding officer, Miss Blessing Egoigwe, fainted amid confusion and heavy complaints from a large crowd following the malfunction of the BVAS machine.
She was later taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
Over 470 voters were reportedly denied the opportunity to vote at Enugwu-Ukwu Community Ward 2, polling unit 005, in Njikoka Local Government Area.
The uproar was caused by repeated BVAS malfunctions and the device’s failure to recognise the voter cards of newly registered voters.
Miss Blessing Okoye, an 18-year-old first-time voter, said she was unable to vote because the BVAS could not capture her fingerprint.
Okoye said she was disappointed by the experience and urged the electoral body to improve the process.
“My hope to vote for a candidate of my choice was dashed by INEC today,” she said.
Mrs. Ifeoma Iloeze, a 55-year-old voter, said she also could not cast her ballot despite waiting since morning until 6:29 p.m. because the BVAS failed to capture her face.
Iloeze described the experience as painful and suggested that an alternative voting system should be introduced in future elections to prevent such disenfranchisement.
NAN reports that an INEC technician was called to the scene to address the issue, but only minimal improvement was recorded.
