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| Engr. Ahmed Rufai |
(LeadershipNigeria)
Aug. 30, 2010
In a bid to confirm the authenticity of the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) e-Voting system ahead of the 2011 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday inspected the facilities.
In his presentation, the managing director, NIGCOMSAT, Eng. Ahmed Rufai, said his agency had engaged in the manufacturing of the full compartment of the machine since two years in order to ensure that it is ready before the elections.
Among the facilities presented are Virtual Voting Machine (e-voting system), RFID staff attendance register and access control system, GSM phone, IP -core-centre multi-media network, two-way video and voice capability for conferencing between INEC headquarters and state RECs, network to support dynamic file transmitter for uploading picture and data, among others.
According to Rufai, the machines were all manufactured by the agency and are capable of assisting the country in conducting free and fair elections. "These are the software that we produced ourselves; we don't need to wait for any foreign assistance before we can move forward." He also pointed out that what is available in the agency is obtainable anywhere in the world, adding, "By 2012, Ghana will be conducting election through the e-voting system. We can export these solutions to them; even the U.S has indicated interest. It is internationally recognised." "In the next two years, our GSM will be close to blackberry. We have gotten the basic structures; all that is required is to take it to the basic. All these equipment were built here and we are ready to partner with INEC to ensure that they are utilised even beyond 2011," said Rufai.
He, however, advocated an open theatre voting system, assuring that the agency has a security network that will monitor the movement of all voters and the ballot paper. "IP core-centre multi-media network can carry successfully, voice video and picture of the entire country. The Abuja transition is completed, which means that Abuja will be the spotlight during the elections." Responding, the INEC chairman, Prof. Athahiru Jega, said he was impressed with what he saw, adding that the commission would be willing to partner with NIGCOMSAT and other stakeholders that have facilities that would enable the country conduct free and fair elections.
"Many Nigerians like us from INEC do not know the enormity of the work you have done in this country. It is clear that you have vital equipment to help the country, not only in ICT, but other areas of technological advancement.
"We in INEC recognise that for us to achieve free and fair elections, we have to partner with all stakeholders and agencies that have something to offer. We consider you as a vital partner and will explore all avenues to ensure this," he added.
He was neither specific on the area of partnership, nor stated whether INEC would go for the e-voting system or not.
Aug. 30, 2010
In a bid to confirm the authenticity of the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) e-Voting system ahead of the 2011 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday inspected the facilities.
In his presentation, the managing director, NIGCOMSAT, Eng. Ahmed Rufai, said his agency had engaged in the manufacturing of the full compartment of the machine since two years in order to ensure that it is ready before the elections.
Among the facilities presented are Virtual Voting Machine (e-voting system), RFID staff attendance register and access control system, GSM phone, IP -core-centre multi-media network, two-way video and voice capability for conferencing between INEC headquarters and state RECs, network to support dynamic file transmitter for uploading picture and data, among others.
According to Rufai, the machines were all manufactured by the agency and are capable of assisting the country in conducting free and fair elections. "These are the software that we produced ourselves; we don't need to wait for any foreign assistance before we can move forward." He also pointed out that what is available in the agency is obtainable anywhere in the world, adding, "By 2012, Ghana will be conducting election through the e-voting system. We can export these solutions to them; even the U.S has indicated interest. It is internationally recognised." "In the next two years, our GSM will be close to blackberry. We have gotten the basic structures; all that is required is to take it to the basic. All these equipment were built here and we are ready to partner with INEC to ensure that they are utilised even beyond 2011," said Rufai.
He, however, advocated an open theatre voting system, assuring that the agency has a security network that will monitor the movement of all voters and the ballot paper. "IP core-centre multi-media network can carry successfully, voice video and picture of the entire country. The Abuja transition is completed, which means that Abuja will be the spotlight during the elections." Responding, the INEC chairman, Prof. Athahiru Jega, said he was impressed with what he saw, adding that the commission would be willing to partner with NIGCOMSAT and other stakeholders that have facilities that would enable the country conduct free and fair elections.
"Many Nigerians like us from INEC do not know the enormity of the work you have done in this country. It is clear that you have vital equipment to help the country, not only in ICT, but other areas of technological advancement.
"We in INEC recognise that for us to achieve free and fair elections, we have to partner with all stakeholders and agencies that have something to offer. We consider you as a vital partner and will explore all avenues to ensure this," he added.
He was neither specific on the area of partnership, nor stated whether INEC would go for the e-voting system or not.
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