Commonwealth Observers point out deficiencies, praise Nigerians

The Commonwealth Observer Group to Nigeria’s elections has praised the patience and resilience of Nigerian people in the face of shortcomings in exercising their right to vote during the concluded elections.

In an interim statement issued on 22 April 2007 following the second set of elections on 21 April, the Chairperson of the Group, Justice Joseph Warioba, stated: "It is commendable that in the face of any impediments in exercising their right to vote, they (people of Nigeria) remained resolute in their determination to do so.”

While pointing out some improvements since the 14 April state elections, Justice Warioba said that there were significant flaws in the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections. These included: late opening of polling stations in many areas, cases of under-age voting, lack of secrecy in the voting process, instances of ballot stuffing and inconsistent application of polling procedures.

Among the improvements noted was enhanced presence of security.

Justice Warioba concluded that, “At this crucial stage in the process, when votes are still being tabulated and results finalised, it is imperative that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensure transparency to provide the Nigerian people and political parties confidence in the process, and full accountability where irregularities are evident.”

For full text of the Interim Statement, click here

Secretariat Links:

• Election Observation
• Country Profile: Nigeria
• Commonwealth Observers stress the importance of Nigeria polls
• Commonwealth Observer Group calls for peaceful polls in Nigeria