- Says Election Lack Transparency
The European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria’s general elections in its report on the Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly Elections, stated that the exercise held according to schedule, but noted that lack of transparency and operational failures have marred the process.
The EU also noted in dismay that election was impeded by insufficient planning and insecurity as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu continues to get under much heat.
The group further noted that the flagrant abuse of incumbency by various political office holders, distorted the playing field as allegations of vote buying was reported.
The Chief Observer, EU-EOM, Andrew Barry said they also noted that the level of violence suppressed voters’ turnout during the election, saying suppression of voters is a serious issue to the rate of inclusiveness in the election and they have taken note of it.
He disclosed that INEC’s operational capacity was hampered by the ongoing Naira and fuel shortages.
The EU stated that insecurity prevented INEC’s officials from accessing some local government areas, particularly in the South.
“Attacks on INEC premises just few days to the poll, hinders preparations in affected areas.” He said.
The group stated that the earlier confidence and trust that people have in INEC, has dimmed as the Commission lacked efficient planning and transparency at critical stages of the electoral process.
The EU regretted that on election day, the fragile trust on INEC weaned drastically due to delayed polling process and information gaps relating to much anticipated access to results on its Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
The EU, however, listed the weak points of the electoral process to include lack of INEC empowerment to enforce sanctions for electoral offences and breaches of campaign finance rules.
The group noted that the introduction of the BVAs and IReV in the 2023 elections which were perceived as important steps to ensure the integrity and credibility of the elections, ironically became impediments to the progress of the election due to delayed training of technical personnel, inadequate mock testing exercise and lack of public information on the election technologies, diminished expectations, and left room for speculations and uncertainties.
The EU disclosed that it would remain in Nigeria to also observe the elections scheduled for March 11, and may make additional statements on election related matters as and when it considers it appropriate.
