The 2023 Nigerian general elections held between February 25 and March 18 lacked transparency, inclusiveness, accountability, the European Union Election Observation Mission said.
The Mission in its final report presented on Tuesday in Abuja said the mission, which accredited a total of 110 observers from 25 EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, was joined by a delegation of the European Parliament for the observation of the Presidential and National Assembly elections throughout the country.
The report presented on behalf of the Mission by the Chief Observer, Barry Andrews, who is a Member of the European Parliament, readd: “In the lead up to the 2023 general elections Nigerian citizens demonstrated a clear commitment to the democratic process.
“That said, the election exposed enduring systemic weaknesses and therefore signal a need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability.”
Andrews said following a three-month-long observation across Nigeria, and in accordance with its usual practice, the EU EOM findings and recommendations identified six issues that affected the elections.
The Mission said shortcomings in law and electoral administration hindered the conduct of well-run and inclusive elections and damaged trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
With the aim of contributing to the improvement of future elections, the EU EOM made 23 recommendations for consideration by the Nigerian authorities.
“We are particularly concerned about the need for reform in six areas which we have identified as priority recommendations, and we believe, if implemented, could contribute to improvements for the conduct of elections,” Andrews said.
The six priority recommendations included the need to remove ambiguities in the country’s electoral laws; establishment of a publicly accountable selection process for INEC members; ensuring real-time publication of and access to election results; provision for greater protection for media practitioners and address; removal of discrimination against women in political life, and impunity regarding electoral offences.
“Importantly, there is a need for political will to achieve improved democratic practices in Nigeria. Inclusive dialogue between all stakeholders on electoral reform remains crucial. The European Union stands ready to support Nigerian stakeholders in the implementation of these recommendations,” Andrew’s added.
The EU EOM, which was in Nigeria at the invitation of the INEC as part of the election monitoring process, carried out its assignment between January 11 and April 11, 2023.
