By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Commonwealth Observer Group, has deplored the administrative and logistical hurdles at many polling units, during the presidential and national assembly elections held on 25th February 2023.
The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group, and former President of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki expressed this disapproval while, presenting his team’s preliminary assessment of the electoral process at a press conference in Abuja.
But while, noting that Nigerians were largely accorded the right to vote, the Commonwealth Observer Mission said Nigeria’s 2023 general elections were largely peaceful.
The former South African President, said: “We congratulate all Nigerians for their determination, patience and resilience displayed throughout the electoral process. We call on all those with grievances to address disputes through prescribed legal channels. The time now is for restraint and continued patience as we await the final results”.
He commended the commitment shown by voters, despite the late arrival of election officials and materials at many polling units, technical issues with biometric identification machines in some cases, and delays with the live results transmission system.
The Chairperson, also praised the polling officials for conducting their duties diligently, while noting some inconsistencies in procedures, particularly in the positioning of some polling booths which compromised the secrecy of the ballot as well as lack of advance voting for those deployed on election day.
Considering the challenges, the President encouraged the electoral commission to conduct a thorough post-election review of the electoral process to draw lessons and consider setting up appropriate mechanisms to implement the recommendations of observers.
He disclosed that Commonwealth observers monitored elections in Benue, Edo, Kano, Lagos, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto states as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
He concluded that before leaving Nigeria on 2 March, the group will complete its final report, setting out its recommendations, which will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General at a later stage.
