Following the conduct and outcome of the just concluded governorship election in Edo state, Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa (CDD-West Africa), through its Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) has recommended that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should work closely with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) in subsequent elections.
The Factchecking specialist, CDD-EAC, Oluseyi Awojulugbe, while briefing newsmen on Monday in Abuja observed the challenge posed by the downpour in parts of the state during the election.
She said this will ensure adequate arrangements for safe guarding paper-based election materials from rain. CDD-EAC recommends proper shelters instead of open spaces for the conduct of the process in future.
She explained that the CDD-EAC deployed 70 trained and accredited observers, including “countering disinformation” monitors.
She further explained that CDD-EAC Observers noted people voting without PVCs at Oredo Local Government, Ward 2; Ogiso Primary school Ogba III PU:029; Igueben Local Government, Ward 4, Utantan Primary School, Unit 4 and Idumeka Primary School ,007; and Esan Central Local Government, Ward 6, Akho Primary School 002, Irrua.
“The observers reported that names of some voters were not on the voters’ register and that there were several incidents of failed accreditation processes in Esan Central, Esan North-East, Etsako Central, Ikpoba/Okha, Owan East, Owan West and Ovia North-East Local Governments.
“The centre recommends that the crisis communication apparatus of the electoral commission must be activated in periods of great need to avoid conflict in communication and dangerous public perception it may portend.
“CDD notes the arrest of some people for vote buying and commends the vigilance of security agencies in this regard. CDD-EAC recommends the speedy and thorough investigation and trial of these cases.
“INEC should publish the procedure for relocation of designated collation centers and other electoral facilities during an election.
“INEC should carefully review uploads on iRev against the announced results and where there are discrepancies, take necessary remedial actions.
“The CDD-EAC commends the citizens of Edo for their participation in the electoral process. From voting to the collation and counting of results, the electorate demonstrated commitment to a peaceful and credible election.
“As the process transitions into the post-election phase, we urge all political stakeholders to continue upholding peace, respect the rule of law, and follow due process in resolving post-election disputes over the results of the elections,” she said.
