#EdoDecides2024: Election Observers Raise Concerns Over INEC Transparency

The ongoing 2024 Edo State governorship election has drawn significant attention from various election observer groups, raising serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These concerns come amidst reports of disruptions, intimidation, and alleged violations of electoral guidelines.

Observer Groups Express Concern Over Transparency

A coalition of civil society organizations, including the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, Yiaga Africa, Kimpact Development Initiative, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, ElectHER, and TAF Africa, issued a joint statement on Sunday highlighting their apprehensions about the transparency of the results collation process by INEC. According to the statement, observers have noted instances of disruptions at ward and local government collation centers, intimidation of INEC officials, and attempts to manipulate the collation of results in violation of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

The statement read: “We, the undersigned accredited civil society organizations observing the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, express concern over the transparency of the ongoing results collation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Reports of disruptions at ward and local government collation centres, including intimidation of INEC officials and attempts to collate results contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, raise significant concerns about the credibility of the results collation process.”

INEC’s Response to the Allegations

In response to these concerns, INEC acknowledged reports of result mutilation and has committed to investigating and addressing any proven violations. The observer groups have urged INEC to exercise its powers under Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, which allows the commission to review any declarations and returns where results were not declared voluntarily or violated provisions of the Electoral Act, INEC regulations, and guidelines.

Call for Action and Recommendations

The observer groups have also emphasized the crucial role of security agencies in ensuring a transparent and credible election process. They called on security agencies to refrain from interference in the collation process and to guarantee full access to collation centers for accredited party agents, media representatives, and election observers. According to the observer groups, the role of security agencies is to safeguard the process, not to create an environment that could undermine the transparency and credibility of the election outcome.

“We further call on security agencies to refrain from interference in the collation process and to ensure that accredited party agents, the media, and election observers are granted full access to collation centres,” the statement added. “We wish to emphasize that the role of security agencies in the election is to safeguard the process and not to create a situation that will undermine the transparency of the process and thus impact negatively on the credibility of the outcome of the election.”

Implications for Edo’s Governorship Election

The concerns raised by these observer groups could have significant implications for the credibility and acceptance of the Edo governorship election results. With candidates such as Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) vying for the governorship seat, the transparency of the collation process will play a pivotal role in determining public trust in the outcome.

Broader Implications on Nigeria’s Electoral Process

The concerns about transparency and credibility extend beyond Edo State. These issues highlight the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system and underscore the need for reform to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent. Observers have repeatedly called for INEC to strengthen its processes and ensure that electoral guidelines are strictly adhered to at all levels to build public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The conduct of security agencies is also under scrutiny, with many calling for these agencies to act as neutral guardians of the electoral process rather than as tools for political interference. Addressing these concerns is crucial to maintaining the credibility of the electoral system and ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in election outcomes.

Conclusion

The ongoing Edo State governorship election serves as a litmus test for the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process. While INEC has acknowledged reports of irregularities and pledged to investigate, it remains essential for the commission and security agencies to work together to ensure that the election’s final outcome reflects the true will of the electorate.

For more updates and insights on the Edo governorship election, stay tuned to our coverage. Read the full story here: Punch Nigeria.

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