2007 Nigeria Elections - Departure Statement

In our Interim Statement of 22 April 2007, we underscored the importance of the April 2007 elections in Nigeria as a crucial test for this country’s young democracy, and as an opportunity to build upon the experiences of the 1999 and 2003 elections. In that respect, we believe this has been a missed opportunity.

The Interim Statement catalogued a number of serious deficiencies in the organisation of these elections. It is unfortunate that the lessons learned from the State elections of 14 April did not result in better management of the Federal elections of 21 April. We were disappointed that some of the assurances provided to us by INEC were not fulfilled, in particular that with regard to enhancing the transparency of tabulation of the election results. The improvements our observers noted were marginal. In comparison, the shortcomings were far more significant. Yet again, polling stations opened very late in many parts of the country due to late supply of election materials. Yet again, basic polling procedures were compromised, including the secrecy of the ballot. And yet again, the collation of results at various levels was done without adequate transparency.

Our Group was particularly struck by the low turnout of voters it witnessed on 21 April. Part of the explanation lies in the delayed opening -- and in some cases early closing -- of the polls, It is equally likely, however, that voters were reacting to the problems they had encountered at the State elections the week before. If indeed the Nigerian people were demonstrating disenchantment with the democratic process, this must be a matter of concern to us all. Losing faith in democracy would be a serious setback for Nigeria. It is something this nation – indeed Africa, the Commonwealth and the entire international community – can ill afford.

INEC needs seriously to review its performance in the conduct of the polls. It could start with implementing faithfully the provisions already set out in the Electoral Act and the Manual for Election Officials. It also needs to develop a more inclusive approach towards all stakeholders, in particular the political parties. Most of all, INEC’s independence of funding and operation needs to be strengthened, so that it can more effectively carry out its proper constitutional role.

Responsibility for what we witnessed at the polls, and for the shortcomings in the political culture of Nigeria, must be shared also by the administration, political leaders and parties, and the security agencies. We have more to say about these issues in our final report, which we have now concluded and will submit to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

We must once again commend the Nigerian people, who showed such remarkable patience and discipline through the entire process. However, we believe they have a right to expect and demand more from the institutions that serve them and from their elected representatives.

We must pay tribute also to the Nigerian judiciary. The rule of law and the independence of the judiciary are crucial to any democracy. However, timelines for hearing and deciding on cases needs to be rationalised, so as to be consistent with timelines for the conduct of the electoral process. This will help to avoid the major disruption caused by cases being decided up to, and even -- in the case of the State elections -- after, the day of the election.

Overall, in organizational terms these elections fell short of the standards Nigeria had achieved in 2003, and certainly well below those to which Nigeria is committed. We have concluded that there were impediments in the ability of voters to express their will fully, freely and fairly.

It will take some time for the dust to settle on these elections. The bitterness and rancour in its wake are clearly visible. We urge Nigeria’s political leaders to resolve their electoral disputes and political differences peacefully and through legal means. Due process and the rule of law must prevail. Violence cannot be the answer. Reconciliation, not recrimination, is the need of the hour.
 
The Commonwealth has an important stake in the stability and progress of Nigeria, and in the consolidation of its fledgling democracy. It will continue to be a friend and to stand by Nigeria as it seeks to learn from the experience of the troubled elections of 2007, rectify the shortcomings, and consolidate the democratic ethic. We wish the people of Nigeria well. They must not lose faith in democracy.

Abuja, 27 April 2007