The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned that women with make-up may be denied their right to vote during the November 6 governorship election in the state.
The advice was issued by INEC State Deputy Director, Gender Desk, Chika Osuji in Awka, Anambra State at a voters’ education and sensitisation forum for Persons With Disabilities And Women’s groups.
Osuji notified the electorates that the commission will make use of a Bimodal Voter Accreditation System the agency to capture voters’ faces during the poll.
The PUNCH reported that female voters with excessive makeup may not be recognised by the device.
As such, the electoral body pleaded with women who can’t do without makeup to apply them minimally when they come out to elect the candidate of their choice.
The programme was organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, United States Agency for International Development and the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening.
Osuji, said “The BVAS will be used during the Anambra gubernatorial election to enable voters to use their fingerprints during accreditation at the polling units.
“I know many women may not be able to engage makeup artists due to restriction of movements; but for those who can’t do without makeups, we appeal to you to minimise the level of the painting. If we can’t read your fingerprints we can read your face, and if we cannot read your face, you are not a registered voter, and we will not allow you to participate.”
