***As 229 groups deploy 146,913 Observers nationwide
By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Barely four days to the opening of the polls in Nigeria, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu
has implored the 229 accredited foreign and national groups deploying over 146,913 Election Observers for the 2023 general election to respect the sovereignty of Nigeria and also to adhere strictly to the rule of engagement.
Yakubu who spoke at INEC Briefing for Observers to the 2023 General Election at International Conference Center
(ICC), Abuja on Tuesday, cautioned Observers not to interfere with the process or show partisanship in discharging their duties.
Specifically, the INEC Chairman reminded the nation and international Observers to be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.
Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election observation. You are by definition observers. Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.
Yakubu who heartily welcomed the Observers in Abuja, said the briefing for accredited election Observers is in line with global good practice, adding that “the Electoral Commissions in most jurisdictions invite national and international organisations to deploy observers or organise study tours for election managers during elections.
According to him, as a consequence, Observers submit reports to electoral Commissions highlighting strengths and weaknesses of processes. Arising from study tours, election managers also learn from other jurisdictions.
He said the reports and recommendations of Observers and the knowledge from the study tours help electoral commissions to progressively improve processes.
“The progressive improvement in our electoral democracy since 1999 draws in part from the reports of observers and the study tours. That is why over the years, the Commission has sent open or specific invitations to national and international observers. The implication is that all accredited Observers are guests of INEC.
“For the 2023 General Election beginning this weekend with the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Commission has accredited 196 national or domestic groups that are collectively deploying 144,800 observers.
“Similarly, the Commission accredited 33 international organisations deploying 2,113 observers. In all, 229 groups are deploying 146,913 observers for the 2023 General Election. This is the largest deployment of domestic and international observers in the history of elections in Nigeria.
“Today’s briefing for observers is in keeping with international good practice. I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election observation.
“You are by definition observers. Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.
“I urge you all to keep to the rules, listen to the presentation to be made shortly and ask questions where you require further clarification. We look forward to seeing you in the field this Saturday”, Yakubu told the Observers.
