Title: Yiaga Africa Calls for Transparent and Credible Election: Key Issues Ahead of Edo Polls
As the upcoming government election in Edo State approaches, election observer Yiaga Africa is urgently appealing to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct transparent and credible elections that meet the expectations of the Nigerian people.
In a pre-election statement, Yiaga Africa highlighted key issues including volatile security, distrust in state institutions and the electoral process itself.
Three Critical Tests for the Election
Yiaga Africa has identified three critical tests that will shape the conduct of the polls:
– Impartiality test for security agencies: ensuring that they act professionally and impartially, without bias.
– Resilience test for citizens: encouraging the population to mobilize and resist attempts at electoral corruption and intimidation.
– Integrity test for CENI: demonstrate its capacity to conduct a transparent, credible and efficient election.
Voter Registration and Mobilization
Voter registration data indicates a significant increase in mobilization, with 2,629,025 registered voters, an increase of 19% compared to 2020. Of note, 85.57% of registered voters collected their Permanent Voter Card (CEP), indicating a strong interest in participating in the election.
Campaign Concerns
Yiaga Africa expressed concerns about the drift of campaigns towards personal attacks, hate speech and potentially divisive rhetoric. However, the organization commended the peacebuilding efforts led by the National Peace Committee and urged parties to honor their commitments to the Peace Agreement.
Voter Incentives and Election Observation
Yiaga Africa has reported cases of voter incentivization, with political parties distributing money and gifts to attract voters, which is undermining the electoral process. To address this, Yiaga Africa will deploy 325 trained observers to monitor the election, using the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology.
Call to Action
Yiaga Africa urged voters to be resilient, resist electoral corruption and intimidation. The organization also called on CENI to:
– Demonstrate its capacity to deliver a transparent, credible and efficient election.
– Put in place robust oversight mechanisms for collation officers.
– Maintain consistency in the application of guidelines.
– Ensure adequate communication with stakeholders.
Security agencies were also encouraged to demonstrate professionalism, apprehend electoral defaulters and respect the rights of citizens at this crucial time.
In conclusion, as Nigeria prepares for a crucial moment in its electoral history, it is imperative that all stakeholders involved in the process commit to upholding the standards of transparency and democracy to ensure free and fair elections. The Nigerian people deserve an electoral process that inspires their confidence and strengthens democracy in the country.