The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a statement to clear the air on recent reports suggesting that some of its Biometric Verification Devices (BVD) had gone missing. According to the EC, no BVDs have been reported missing. However, the commission confirmed that five laptops were stolen from their custody. This clarification was made in response to claims made by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In response to inquiries from the NDC regarding the alleged disappearance of seven BVD machines, Dr. Bossman Asare, the deputy chair in Charge of Corporate Services, urged for calm and reassured the public that the theft of the laptops would not impact the integrity of the 2024 elections.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, called on the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Police Service to promptly investigate the stolen BVD machines, during a statement made by the Minority Caucus on Tuesday, March 19. Speaking from the EC’s headquarters, Dr. Bossman Asare clarified that all biometric devices are securely stored, affirming the Commission’s readiness for the December polls.
He emphasized that the missing items are merely laptops devoid of any sensitive information. “We are fully ready for the election and we can confirm that five laptops have been stolen and these are laptops that do not contain any information about anyone. They do not contain information, so there are no risks.”
He also addressed the contradictions people have about BVDs and BVRs. “We are also picking up information that people are contradicting the BVDs and the BVRs. BVDs are used for verification and BVRs are for registration.
Before you can use them, you will need to connect the two devices. The BVDs are only used during voting. In case of theft, the BVDs cannot be used. Additionally, it is important to note that five laptops are missing and we are currently working with the police to retrieve them.”
By: Kabah Atawoge
