MON, FEBRUARY 25 2019-theG&BJournal-African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Nigeria for the 23 February 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections yesterday set out key recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes and institutions in ‘’a political space that has significantly broadened, as evidenced by the high number of registered voters, political parties and candidates who took part in the elections.’’
The 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections it said provided an opportunity for the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.
After a general election that drew mixed responses, the AUEOM made their recommendations around cooperation and solidarity among Political parties and candidates and the Independent National Election Commission (INEC).
The AUEOM called for improved election management to address the consistent postponement of elections through proper planning and execution of election logistics and operations and made a case for INEC to strengthen the capacity of polling staff through training on assisting voters, counting and other electoral procedures.
‘’Polling staff did not demonstrate sufficient knowledge and competence in application of the opening procedures,’’ Election Observation Mission said.
The AUEOM said it observed opening procedures at 16 voting points in rural and urban areas.
‘’All (100%) of the voting points observed opened late. The average delay was over an hour. The reasons for the delayed opening were late arrival of polling officials and election materials as well as poor preparation of voting points.’’
AUEOM was in the country on the invitation the FG and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and was led by His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, former Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and assisted by Her Excellency Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs.
They urged political parties and candidates to uphold the commitment to peaceful elections and resolution of disputes in keeping with the two peace accords signed in December 2018 and February 2019. It recommended that, In case of any grievances over the election results, political parties and candidates are encouraged to use the legal instruments at their disposal to seek redress.
The AUEOM which said it will issue a final comprehensive report at the conclusion of the whole process, called for a principled approach by Nigerians and stakeholders in the use of social media and refrain from spreading false information on the elections. It said that political parties and young people should leverage the opportunity created by the Not Too Young To Run Act to increase political participation and representation.
The AUEOM said despite some reports of election-related violence, deaths and intimidation, the overall political climate remained largely peaceful and conducive for the conduct of democratic elections.
According to the AUEOM ‘’Mission is impressed by the patience and resilience demonstrated by Nigerians during the elections. Overall, the process was largely peaceful and orderly and in conformity with Nigeria’s legal framework.’’
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