EU calls for electoral reform

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria has condemned the “killings of at least 17 people’’ in 19 states and other violent incidents that took place during the weekend’s elections, and called for a serious reform in election laws.

The EU made this known during the release of the EU EOM’s second preliminary statement in Abuja yesterday.

The group stated that while there were operational improvements in the governorship and state elections on March 9, these were overshadowed by systemic failings and security issues.

According to them, the major problems included lack of transparency, incumbency advantage and a troubling electoral security environment.

Presenting the statement, EU Chief Observer, Maria Arena, said that polling procedures on March 9 were assessed more positively by the EU observers than the February 23 presidential election.

“Polling on March 9 was more orderly,” she stated, “however turnout was consistently recognised to be very low overall.

“The procedures for voter accreditation were significantly improved, but the secrecy of the vote was not always sufficiently protected.”

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The Chief Observer also noted that, in five states, journalists from respected media houses were obstructed from reporting in certain areas.

“Civil society groups reported that military and security agents denied citizen observers access to eight collation centers in three states, and that they were further denied access in a number of others by INEC personnel or threatening groups.”

She also hampered on the need for an inclusive national discussion on reform for greater electoral integrity and participation.

“We echo the view of leading civil society organisations that say that there is an urgent need to restore faith in the electoral process,” she said.

“We encourage a national conversation on electoral reform and strongly believe it would meaningfully contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development.”