2023 Elections: EU Observer Mission Identifies Six Areas Of Improvement

The European Union Election Observer Mission to Nigeria during the 2023 general elections says it has identified six areas of improvement in Nigeria’s electoral process moving forward.

The Chief Observer of the Mission, Mr Barry Andrews, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday during a presentation of its priority recommendations based on its observation of the general elections held on February 25, March 18, and April 15.

Some of the key areas listed by the Mission are ambiguities in the law, the establishment of a publicly accountable process for the selection of INEC members, and ensuring real-time publication of and access to election results.

It also highlighted the need for protection for media practitioners, while decrying the discrimination against women in elective and appointed positions as well as impunity regarding electoral offences.

Andrews said the election exposed enduring systemic weaknesses and therefore signalled a need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness and accountability.

He further noted that there was a need for political will to achieve improved democratic practices in Nigeria and called for inclusive dialogue between all stakeholders on electoral reform.

In a similar vein, the EU Observer Mission on Monday presented its final report on the 2023 general elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to a tweet by INEC, the delegation of election observers was received by the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, and national commissioners of the electoral body.

The EU Election Observation Mission was deployed by the European Union upon an invitation from INEC, the commission had said.