The Africa Middle East Progressive Initiative (AMEPI), Monday, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its performance in the bye election held at Jigawa and Kaduna states.
The AMEPI in a statement by its president, Omotola Oshifeso, said, “INEC conduct is commendable. Materials got to venue on time and officials arrive early. The process was conducted peacefully. Although we had area in which card readers failed in the election, INEC rose up to the occasion. The voter’s sensitation method used was also commendable.”
It added that,”It is important that we give special kudos to the people of Sabon Gari in Kaduna. We saw citizen’s participation in the electoral process. In both Kaduna and Jigawa states, there were voter’s apathy due to the nature of the residents (as farmers). In this season, there are general economic crunches as people are more interested in their daily survival.
“To us as observers, there is improvement in the conduct of the bye election. INEC needs to work on swift response to failed card readers, exclusion of minors from voting, proper sensitisation on vote buying and the implications,” the group stated.
