The Mission has highlighted several key areas that need attention.
By Abraham Clinton:
The European Union Election Observer Mission that was present in Nigeria during the 2023 general elections has identified six areas that require improvement in the country’s electoral process going forward. The Chief Observer of the Mission, Mr. Barry Andrews, shared this information in Abuja on Tuesday while presenting the mission’s priority recommendations based on its observations during the general elections held on February 25, March 18, and April 15.
The Mission has highlighted several key areas that need attention. These include addressing ambiguities in the law, establishing a transparent and publicly accountable process for the selection of members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ensuring the real-time publication of results, and providing access to election results. The Mission also expressed concern about the lack of protection for media practitioners and the discrimination against women in both elected and appointed positions, as well as the impunity surrounding electoral offenses.
According to Andrews, the election revealed persistent systemic weaknesses, indicating the need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. He emphasized the importance of political will to achieve improved democratic practices in Nigeria and called for inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders to discuss electoral reform.
It should be noted that the EU Election Observation Mission was deployed to Nigeria at the invitation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
