Joint NDI/IRI International Observer Mission to Nigeria has entreated political actors and their supporters to remain calm and exercise restraint as they await the final results of the presidential and legislative elections from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Nigerians went to the polls on Saturday, February 25, 2023, and results have since been trickling in from the various states.
The Joint NDI/IRI International Observer Mission further urged the INEC, the government, political actors, and civil society to continue to work together and redouble efforts to deliver on citizen expectations for transparent and inclusive elections.
In its preliminary statement issued on February 27, 2023, the Joint NDI/IRI International Observer mission said, “as the nation awaits the results of the electoral process, and with only two weeks until the March gubernatorial elections, we urge all political actors and their supporters to remain calm and exercise restraint.
“INEC, the government, political actors, and civil society should continue to work together and redouble efforts to deliver on citizen expectations for transparent and inclusive elections in order to ensure that electoral outcomes are a credible expression of the will of voters. The mission calls on the international community to continue to stand with the people of Nigeria in their efforts to deepen and strengthen their democratic institutions and practices”.
The Observer Mission noted that though the lack of adequate logistics caused delays in the voting process across Nigeria, the citizens displayed extraordinary resilience and resolved to have their voices heard.
“On election day, logistical failings caused late openings across the country, creating tensions, and the secrecy of the ballot was compromised in some polling units given overcrowding.
“Despite these real and troubling issues, Nigerians once again demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process. Voters displayed extraordinary resilience and resolve to have their voices heard through the ballot, often waiting for several hours due to logistical shortcomings,” the Observer Mission said in its statement.
Click here for the preliminary statement by Joint NDI/IRI International Observer Mission to Nigeria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=/n6BcWqvfL7I
