The 2023 election in Nigeria is one that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
For some, it is a time of celebration, as politicians and parties they are loyal to hustle their way into key positions.
For many others, especially the poor masses, it is a time of grief and one that should be trashed.
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) shares the pain of these poor masses.
Failed Expectations
Barry Andrews says INEC failed to meet expectations of Nigerians, with the conduct of Saturday’s Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
Andrews is the Chief Observer of the mission.
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, he said the outcome of the elections in many states showed that the electoral body failed in its responsibilities.
According to him, the voter apathy witnessed on Saturday is a testament to the fact that INEC disappointed Nigerians who had a great appetite for democracy and change.
“Throughout the mission, we saw that Nigerians have a great appetite for democracy and are keen to engage in various civic activities.
“However, in many parts of the country, their expectations were not met.
Many were disappointed and we witnessed voter apathy.
According to the EU Observers this is in part a clear consequence of failures by political elites and INEC.
“Positively, INEC introduced some corrective measures ahead of Saturday’s polls, allowing timely delivery of sensitive materials and improved use of election technologies.
“Yet the institution continued to lack transparency.”
Fearful Environment
EU observers say the governorship and State Assembly elections were also disrupted by multiple incidents of thuggery.
Also, the mission said there was intimidation of voters.
Andrews says organised violence in parts of the country led to a fearful environment.
“EU EOM observers noted that voting on 18 March mostly started on time, with INEC ad-hoc officials present and ready to serve the voter.
“However, polling on election day was disrupted by multiple incidents.
“Incidents such as thuggery and intimidation of voters, polling officials, observers and journalists.
“Lagos, Kano and other states in the southern and central part were most affected.
“Unfortunately, there were many casualties and fatalities.
“Vote-buying, also directly observed by EU EOM observers, further detracted from appropriate conduct of the elections.”
Underrepresentation Of Women
Also, the mission observed the underrepresentation of women in the process.
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Andrews says it demonstrates Nigeria’s contrary practice to its constitutional provision and international commitment to inclusion.
“The clear underrepresentation of women as candidates demonstrated a stark lack of internal party policies to support constitutionally prescribed inclusion.
“Contrary to Nigeria’s international commitments to eradicate discrimination against women.
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“The mission also commends the civil society, media, and fact-checkers for promoting democratic standards by raising awareness and providing electoral information of public interest to voters”.
