The Group commended the Nigerian people for showing remarkable patience and discipline through the entire process
Nigeria elections ‘a missed opportunity’ -- say Commonwealth Observers
27 April 2007
Overall, in organisational terms elections fell short of the standards Nigeria had achieved in 2003, and certainly well below those to which Nigeria is committed, Group says
Nigeria’s April 2007 elections were marred by serious deficiencies but the country must not lose faith in democracy, the Commonwealth Observer Group present for the elections has said.
“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 Group said in a statement issued on 27 April.
“We have concluded that there were impediments in the ability of voters to express their will fully, freely and fairly.”
The Observer Group, however, commended the Nigerian people for showing remarkable patience and discipline through the entire process.
The Group stated Nigeria’s electoral commission, INEC, needed to seriously review its performance in the conduct of the elections.
“It (INEC) 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,” it said.
“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.”
For the full statement click here
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