The joint Nigeria International Elections Observation Mission of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) has released its final reports on the 2019 elections urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence preparations for the 2023 general elections now.
The international observers also declared that “for Nigeria to get its party politics and conduct of its elections right, there is a need for national dialogue.”
While the reports berated the electoral empire for “falling significantly short of the standards of the polls,” it however noted that INEC distributed materials and opened polls in a more timely fashion for the March 9 gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections.
According to the report released on Tuesday in Abuja, the 2019 general elections did not meet the expectation of many Nigerians but asking the commission not to waste anytime further in commencing preparations for next general elections.
Earlier, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had assured that his leadership will study the recommendations and also partner with the IRI/NDI to improve the electoral and democratic processes in Nigeria forward.
Speaking when he received the reports on Monday, Yakubu said: “The Commission will study your recommendations in detail and will continue to partner with you to improve the electoral and democratic processes in Nigeria. We have already embarked on our own internal reviews. Your report is coming at the right time.
“I wish to assure you that we will implement aspects of your recommendations that require administrative action by the Commission beginning with the forthcoming Bayelsa and Kogi Governorship elections scheduled for 16th November 2019. We will also work with other institutions on aspects of your recommendations,” he assured.
While presenting the report to the public on Tuesday, the joint report of IRI and NDI chided the electoral umpire for the last minute postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections on the morning of February 16 and delays in opening some polling units and other administrative challenges on February 23.
Spokesman of the NDI, Dr. Christopher Fumunyoh said: “Our hope is that the preparations for the 2023 elections begins now and that’s why we hoping for this conversation.”
A joint statement released quoted the NDI President, Amb. Derek Mitchell as saying “Election stakeholders should take concrete steps to address the concerns of citizens with regards to the polls in order to rekindle their faith in the power and possibility of credible elections.
“We hope that this report may spur and contribute to enriching that national conversation.”
The report recommended a pursue of a comprehensive, inclusive and expedition electoral reform process and establish time limit for the adjudication of pre-election petitions to ensure that judgements are rendered before election day and early enough not to interfere with INEC’s election preparations.
On election administration, it is recommended that “a complete constituency delimitation exercise and identity necessary polling units at least one year before tbe next election.
“Make the continuous voters registration process more accessible to voters by pursuing technological advance tbat would allow for immediate issuance of a PVC upon registration and simplify the process for voters seeking to change tbeir registration location.
“Develop and adopt a strong strategic communications plan that builds on lessons learned from the 2019 elections to promote transparency and public trust.
“Reconsider the order and ti ing of general elections to ensure sufficient time for the preparations and to promote voter participation and engagement at both the grassroots and national levels.
“Create a process that facilities suffrage for those on official duty on election day, including polling officials, security agents and citizens observers.
“Adopt more transparent procedures for the tabulation, transmission and announcement of results.”
Other recommendations in the report included early preparation for elections so as to mitigate against and last minute shortcomings.
It also advised on having a workable legal framework and election dispute resolution technique that would enable the electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political stakeholders pursue a comprehensive, inclusive and expeditious electoral reform process.
