EU election observers applaud NASS elections

EU election observers applaud NASS elections

The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), has described Nigeria’s National Assembly elections as a “positive step’’, but called for improvements in the next elections.

The EU EOM Chief Observer, Alojz Peterle, made the observation in Abuja on Sunday.
Peterle said that the mission observed an overall encouraging conduct of the elections, in a generally peaceful atmosphere.

“Our observers reported that the majority of visited polling units were operational, and that accreditation and voting were mainly conducted in a timely manner,” he said.

Improvement areas

The Chief Observer said that problems, such as inaccurate voters register and inconsistent implementation of electoral procedures were observed and needed to be addressed before the next elections.

He also observed underage voting, inadequate packing of the results forms and the lack of display of the results in several polling units, wards and local government areas.

“Increased attention to all the stages of the electoral process could contribute to strengthening the transparency and credibility of the elections,’’ Peterle said.

Commendations

He condemned the bomb explosion at the INEC office in Suleja and all other violent incidents.

“The attack in Suleja, that claimed the lives of so many people, who committed themselves to assist Nigeria in having credible and peaceful elections was a cowardly act.

``We call upon the people of Nigeria and all stakeholders to maintain a peaceful and positive atmosphere and not to allow any intimidation,’’ he said.
 
The Observation Mission said that it would present its findings in a preliminary report to be issued after the presidential elections and at a later stage in a comprehensive final report.

The EU EOM has deployed over 140 observers throughout the country. The mission will observe all aspects of the electoral process, prior, during and after election days.

The EU EOM is independent from any EU institutions or member states and is obliged to remain neutral and abide by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct, as well as Nigerian laws.

NAN/Williams