The European Union (EU), in response to the invitation by
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to deploy an
EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the general elections
scheduled for 25 February and 11 March, 2023.
A statement on Wednesday, said the High Representative of
the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the
European Commission, Josep Borrell, has appointed Barry Andrews, Member of the
European Parliament, as Chief Observer for the EOM to Nigeria, recalling that
the EU previously deployed Election Observation Missions to Nigeria for the
2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 elections.
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell was quoted
in the statement to have said: “These elections will be crucial for the
consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, and for the stability of the region.
This is the sixth time that the EU deploys an election observation mission to
Nigeria, reflecting our commitment to work together to consolidate democracy in
the country. The elections are set to be competitive and will take place in a
challenging security context. It is our hope that Nigerians will be able to
cast their vote in a peaceful environment and that any challenges or disputes
will be solved through dialogue or through available legal remedies.”
The Chief Observer Barry Andrews said: “I am very pleased to
have been entrusted with the responsibility for leading this EU Election
Observation Mission. The mission is taking place during a period of time when
democracy around the globe is in decline. The forthcoming General Elections are
therefore not only a key moment in Nigeria’s democratic development but also
important to the future of democracy in West Africa and the continent at large.
I am looking forward to meeting with electoral stakeholders that are playing
important roles in the ongoing electoral process.”
According to the statement, the EU EOM will provide a
comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process
based on international and regional standards for democratic elections.
The Core Team of the EU EOM consists of 11 election experts
who will arrive in Abuja during the first half of January. Towards the end of
January, 40 long-term observers will join the mission to be deployed across the
country and follow the electoral campaign. Thereafter, short-term observers
from the EU diplomatic community as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland will
reinforce the mission during election day.
The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion
of the electoral process.
In line with the EU election observation methodology, the
mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Abuja
after the election day. The final report, which will include a set of
recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented after the
finalisation of the entire electoral process.
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