2019: EU election observer mission tasks INEC, security agencies, others on transparency

The Chief Observer, European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), Maria Arena, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other election stakeholders to maintain a high level of transparency and accountability in the upcoming elections. Arena who is also a member of the European Parliament from Belgium made the call in Abuja on Tuesday during the launch of EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria. Arena said,” Transparency and accountability of all the institutions involved in the elections are absolutely essential for public trust and confidence in the process. “Thus, we hope that INEC and also the security forces will provide clear real-time information on what they are doing and actions they’ve taken. INEC and the security forces need to be seen to work neutrally in all their actions from the leadership down. She expressed hope that the state bodies and political parties will cooperate to promoting a fair and peaceful process before, during and after the elections. “This means working with integrity for the sake of the nation, and promoting a calm response to any problems or frustrations,” she said. The Chief Observer disclosed that in addition to the EU EOM’s core team and 40 long term observers, the mission will be joined over the election days by a delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament, as well as diplomats from EU member state embassies in Nigeria, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. “We will assess the electoral process against Nigeria’s laws and international commitments in relation to democratic elections. We are here with a team of 11 election experts in Abuja, and 40 experienced long-term observers, who deployed around the country yesterday (21 January) to cover all states,” said the Chief Observer. The EU EOM head of mission also highlighted the importance of civil society organisations in the electoral process, describing them as an indispensable role in increasing the transparency and credibility of the process, and in advocating for electoral improvements. She assured that the EU observers will adhere to a strict code of conduct for international election observation that requires they maintain strict neutrality and impartiality in the course of their work and do not interfere in the electoral process. “After both election days, the mission will issue a preliminary statement. A more comprehensive final report, including recommendations to improve future elections, will be published approximately two months after the end of the electoral process,” she added. Adebisi Oyindamola, Abuja