The European Union Observation has recommended 23 solutions to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, so as to improve future general elections in the country.
The EU, promised to support the country with the implementation of these recommendations presented in its final report to INEC.
The outcome of the 2023 general elections has been criticized by many Nigerians especially members of opposition political parties who are presently in court to contest its outcome on various grounds many months after the election.
To ensure success of future general elections, members of the European Union Observation Mission led by the Chief Observer Barry Andrews came out with 23 recommendations with a promise to support Nigeria in their implementation.
Mr Andrews noted that the election exposed enduring systemic weaknesses signaling a need for further legal reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability.
The recommendations exposed shortcomings in law and electoral administration which hindered the conduct of well-run and inclusive elections thus damaging the trust in INEC and the mission therefore gave 23 recommendations and six priorities
The six priority recommendations point to the need to remove ambiguities in the electoral law, establish a publicly accountable selection process for INEC members, ensure real-time publication of and access to election results, provide greater protection for media practitioners, address discrimination against women in political life, and ensure end to impunity regarding electoral offenses.
He underscored the need for a political will to achieve improved democratic practices in Nigeria through an inclusive dialogue between all stakeholders on electoral reform remains crucial.
The National Commissioner, Chairman Information and voters education, INEC, Barrister Festus Okoye, who represented the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, applauded the EU Observation Mission for a job well done and assured Nigerians that despite lapses observed in both the 25th February presidential/national assembly and the 18th March governorship/states assembly elections, there is still room for improvement.
