IMANI Africa has raised concerns regarding the Electoral Commission (EC)'s handling of 10 obsolete biometric verification devices (BVDs) reportedly discovered at a recycling plant.

In a statement released on Friday, April 26, 2024, the EC clarified that the 10 BVDs found at a recycling company in Madina were outdated devices that had been lawfully auctioned off.

Responding to the EC's statement, IMANI Africa questioned the procedural aspects of the auction, seeking clarification on several fronts.

They specifically inquired about the auctioneers involved, their licensing status, and the method employed during the auction.

Furthermore, IMANI Africa sought information regarding the identities of the successful bidders and the rationale behind their acquisition of obsolete devices designed for electoral purposes.

Additionally, they expressed scepticism about a commercial recycling plant's involvement in handling such devices, considering the potential sensitivity of the data they might contain.

IMANI Africa urged the Electoral Commission to provide transparent and comprehensive details regarding these BVDs' auction and disposal process, underlining the critical importance of upholding public trust in the electoral system.

“The EC claims that the 10 BVDs were auctioned and subsequently ended up in a recycling plant. Who conducted the auction? Were they officially licensed auctioneers authorized by the Auctioneers Registration Board?”

“Who were the successful bidders, and how was the auction advertised? Why would anyone be interested in purchasing 10 used biometric devices allegedly designed specifically for electoral purposes, especially when the EC has procured thousands of newer devices in recent years?”

“Why would a commercial recycling plant be interested in acquiring only 10 devices? Who sanctioned the recycling of these devices in a facility lacking adequate secure data handling capabilities?”