– Condemns denial of access to collation centre in Rivers
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria, on Monday, suggested a serious electoral reform in Nigeria as a panacea to various issues raised by both the local and foreign observers during the just concluded 2019 general elections in the country.
Presenting the mission’s preliminary statement in Abuja, the EU Chief Observer, Maria Arena, who further called for a conference among various stakeholders to look into the issues raised and improve the system, therefore, condemned the violence, intimidation and obstruction of citizens observers by the military and security agents on election day.
According to her, this is not a novel idea, of course. The suggestion of a national conversation or dialogue is one that comes from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) itself. It is one that the European Union would support.
She said the systemic problems evident in the 2019 electoral process showed the need for an inclusive national discussion on reforms for greater electoral integrity and participation.
Arena lamented that observers, including the EU mission’s observers, were denied access to collation centre in Rivers State, adding that at eight polling units observed, there were indications of vote buying and eight cases of obvious underage voting also observed.
EU chief observer said lack of access for observers compromised transparency and trust in the process, saying a comprehensive report on the election would be submitted in June with the recommendations for reform.
Tribune
