EU Election Observation Mission Presents Final Report, Makes 23 Recommendations

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has presented its final report on the 2023 General Elections conducted in February and March, prioritizing six (6) recommendations out of a total of twenty-three (23) put forward.

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Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, 27 June 2023, the Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission, Mr. Barry Andrews, said the European Union stands ready to support Nigerian stakeholders in the implementation of these recommendations.

“The six priority recommendations point to the need to:

1. Remove ambiguities in the law

2. Establish a publicly accountable selection process for INEC members

3. Ensure real-time publication of and access to election results

4. Provide greater protection for media practitioners

5. Address discrimination against women in political life

6. Address impunity regarding electoral offences,” the EU EOM Chief Observer said.

According to him, the 2023 General Elections did not ensure a well-run transparent and inclusive democratic process as assured by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), attributing it to shortcomings in law and electoral administration.

He further highlighted poor institutional planning, lack of accurate planning, intimidation, vote buying, failure to upload election results in real-time, just to mention a few, as some of the drawbacks of the elections.

Nevertheless, Mr. Barry Andrews commended the involvement of civil societies in the elections, describing it as ‘exceptional’.

Also present at the public presentation was the Deputy Chief Observer, EU EOM, Mr. Thomas Boserup; the EU EOM’s Press Officer, Agnes Doka; and the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, among others.

The EU EOM was led by the Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, member of the European Parliament from Ireland.

The mission carried out its work between 11 January and 11 April with a delegation of the European Parliament joining it for the observation of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, which held on February 25, and the Governorship/ State Houses of Assemblies elections of March 18.

The mission accredited a total of 110 observers from 25 EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Canada.

Amaka E. Nliam