The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU
EOM) has urged Nigeria to intensify electoral reforms to address systemic
weaknesses exposed during the 2023 general elections.
The call was made in Abuja on Thursday during a follow-up
mission to review progress on its recommendations issued after the polls.
The EU EOM had, in June 2023, released its final report on the February
25 and March 18 elections, presenting 23 recommendations, eight of which
were specifically directed at the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC).
Chief Observer Barry Andrews, a Member of the
European Parliament, said Nigerians showed strong democratic commitment, but
the elections revealed “enduring systemic weaknesses” that damaged trust in
INEC.
“Importantly, there is a need for political will to
achieve improved democratic practices in Nigeria. Inclusive dialogue between
all stakeholders on electoral reform remains crucial. The European Union stands
ready to support Nigerian stakeholders in the implementation of these
recommendations,” Andrews said.
Six Priority Areas
The mission identified six priority reforms
critical for Nigeria’s democratic future:
1.
Clarifying ambiguities in electoral law.
2.
Establishing a transparent and
merit-based selection process for INEC officials.
3.
Guaranteeing real-time publication and
access to election results.
4.
Providing greater protection for media
practitioners.
5.
Addressing discrimination against women
in political life.
6.
Ending impunity for electoral offences.
Broader Recommendations
The full list of 23 recommendations covered
voter registration, campaign finance transparency, access for persons with
disabilities, independence of the National Broadcasting Commission, reforms to
public broadcasters, stronger protections for freedom of expression, and
measures to improve inclusiveness for displaced persons and vulnerable voters.
The EU EOM also urged reforms to ensure timely
adjudication of pre-election disputes, public accountability of electoral
authorities, and robust monitoring to curb abuse of incumbency during
campaigns.
Background
At INEC’s invitation, the EU EOM deployed 110
observers from 25 EU member states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and
Canada, who monitored Nigeria’s elections from January 11 to April 11, 2023.
A delegation of the European Parliament also joined the observation of
the presidential and National Assembly polls.
The mission’s recommendations, observers noted, are
meant to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy through reforms that promote transparency,
inclusiveness, and accountability.
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