DUA observer mission raises concern over poll shift


The Democrat Union of Africa (DUA) observer mission to Nigeria has
raised concerns over the decision of the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the presidential and National
Assembly elections.

A press statement signed by leader of DUA observer mission, Hon.
Martin Adjei-Mensah Jordan in Abuja said, “With similar occurrences in
2011 and 2015 elections, it was the wish of many that INEC would have
learnt lessons from the past to improve and prevent any reoccurrence.

“After several assurances of INEC’s readiness to conduct this
election, the postponement shows that, the country’s electoral body
has not improved on its management of the country’s elections from the
past.

In view of the challenges the postponement has generated among
stakeholders, it is imperative to point out the effect of this on the
practice of democracy across Africa.

“It is therefore critical that the INEC ensures that it raises public
confidence and trust in its operations. It has to work within the
newly stipulated timelines, to deliver credible, free and fair
elections.”

The mission urged INEC to, “as a matter of urgency take advantage of
this postponement to: review its logistics deployment management;
ensure that, all logistics that were sent earlier to polling stations
are not tempered with; ensure that CSOs, political parties, and other
stakeholders are kept updated regularly on their operations; and
broaden its consultative approach with the stakeholders.”

While urging stakeholders to remain calm and collaborate with INEC,
the mission entreated political parties to be circumspect in their
statements and mobilise their supporters to turn out to vote to
prevent a low turnout.

“We further charge the INEC and other management stakeholders to
ensure that the February 23, 2019, election comes off peacefully. We
wish Nigerians the very best at this moment. Let us make Nigeria and
Africa proud. God bless the people of Nigeria,” the statement read in
part.

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