2023 ELECTION: INEC Meets 229 Observer Groups …. Cautions against interference
Oru Leonard
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Proof Mahmood Yakubu met with 229 observer groups today at the International Conference Centre where the Commission will use as venues for Collation Centre, Media Centre and Situation room during the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Speaking during his welcome address, Prof Mahmood said that 229 groups are deploying 146,913 observers for the 2023 General Election. He noted that the current accredited number is the largest deployment of domestic and international observers in the history of elections in Nigeria.
”For the 2023 General Election beginning this weekend with the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Commission has accredited 196 national or domestic groups that are collectively deploying 144,800 observers.
“Similarly, the Commission accredited 33 international organizations deploying 2,113 observers. Today’s briefing for observers is in keeping with international good practice”, he stated
He advised the 2023 Observer Groups to avoid interfering with the electoral process, adding that there is a code of conduct for election observation.
“You are by definition observers. Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.
“I urge you all to keep to the rules”, he emphasized.
The INEC Chairman also urged the observers to ensure they submit their reports to the Commission, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of processes, adding that the reports and recommendations of observers will help INEC to progressively improve the electoral process.
Earlier, the Regional Director of Africa Federation of Electoral System IFES, Clara Cole said election observation had become an integral part of election as it would expose irregularities, boost public confidence and recommend a way of improvement on electoral processes.
Mrs Cole assured that the organization would continue to support INEC in conducting free, fair and credible elections in the country.
