International observer mission rates election average so far, says late commencement of concern

Bonaventure Melah

Although Nigerians have shown strong determination to vote and to engage, lateness to commence accreditation and actual voting in many places have been of concern to observers so far.
John Tomaszewski, Regional Director, International Republican Institute (IRI) who is leading a team of observers including those from National Democratic Institute (NDI), told Daily Times exclusively in Karu, Abuja, that voters are enthusiastic but have to face the challenge of late commencement.
“So far, we can say fair. The people of Nigeria have shown enthusiasm, they have shown determination to vote and to engage. Although lateness to commence has been of concern, as you can see from here that by 10.AM voting is yet to commence.
“But you can see that the people are resilient, they are determined. In some places we visited, of course many across the FCT, voting started one hour or more late, but it is progressing, and that is most important,” he said.
On the mood of the nation at this early part of the process, he said so far, no incidence of violence has been reported including by the other 17 teams observing other parts of Nigeria.
“So far, only the incidents that were reported in Maiduguri, Borno State, otherwise we have reports of peaceful process for now,” John Tomaszewski, told Daily Times.