INEC card reader

The INEC card reader is a portable electronic voting authentication device configured to read only the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria.^[1] The card reader was designed for the accreditation process (authentication of eligible voters before voting).^[2] The machine was configured to read only the PVCs of a particular polling unit and can only work on election day.^[3]

INEC card reader, a device that was used for the Nigerian general election, held on March 28, 2015

Operation

The device uses a cryptographic technology with an ultra-low power consumption and processing frequency of 1.2 GHz and uses Android 4.0.0^[4]

It is positioned by its operators (usually trained INEC officials) to read the embedded chip on the Personal Voter Card (PVC).^{[clarification needed]} This card is placed into the device, which then displays the voter's details. The voter places their thumb on the device, and their identity is confirmed through Fingerprint authentication.^[5] It usually takes about 10 to 20 seconds to validate a voter.^[6]

On completion of accreditation process, a "Close V" key is used to complete the accreditation process and the total number of voters accredited can be previewed using a "Query" key. Afterwards, the result may be forwarded to INEC using the "Communication" key.^[7]

The card reader was first used for Nigeria's presidential election held on March 28, 2015.^[8][9]