2023 elections: EU EOM calls for violence-free polls in Nigeria
By Linus Aleke
Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Nigeria, has called for violence-free polls.
The Chief Observer, EU EOM to Nigeria 2023, Mr Barry Andrews, made this call while addressing a press conference in Abuja, to kick start its activities in Nigeria.
He, therefore, urged authorities, candidates, and political parties in Nigeria to ensure that the upcoming general elections are peaceful, and that election-related violence is prevented.
He said every voter has the right to cast their ballot in a safe environment free from intimidation and undue influence.
According to him, “We encourage the authorities, candidates, and political parties to commit to peaceful conduct prior to, during and after election day. Cooperation between all institutions and parties participating in the elections is crucial. The presence of a level playing field, freedom of expression, assembly and association, respect for human rights and a neutral and independent election management body at all levels are all essential for democratic elections”.
The Chief Observer said, he has met with a wide range of interlocutors including state authorities, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political contestants, members of the judiciary, media stakeholders, citizen observers as well as other civil society representatives to discuss the ongoing electoral process.
The Electoral Act 2022, Mr Andrews said, has introduced new measures aimed at enhancing various aspects of the conduct of elections.
He noted that as part of its overall analysis, the EU EOM will closely follow its implementation, stressing that for the first time in Nigeria, the mission has a dedicated Election Technology Analyst who is assessing the use of technologies, especially the verification of voters and the transmission of results.
The Chief Observer added that a Media Analyst and a Social Media Analyst are also undertaking an assessment of the role of the traditional media, as well as social media and digital communication during the process.
Noting that this is the seventh EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria since 1999, Mr. Andrews, concluded that EU attaches great significance to these elections.
