The EU Assistance to Democratic Government in Nigeria gave INEC novel election administration technologies on Thursday (EU-SDGN).
The Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) technologies improved Nigeria’s election system.
Ruben Aguilera, acting Head of Development Cooperation of the European Union Delegation, gave INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu the technical tools at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Collation and Returning Officers Management System (CROMS); Election Results Management System (ERMS); Political Parties Financial Reporting and Audit System (PFRAS).
Media Monitoring and Analysis tool and online App for voters and election authorities to find polling places nationwide.
Mr Yakubu thanked the EU-SDGN for the help and said INEC would carefully review the instruments to address current and future election difficulties.
He praised EU-Phase SDGN’s II Project’s DAI assistance for INEC.
Mr Yakubu said the help would improve planning and operations in five theme areas.
Additional themes include increasing the Commission’s internal communication, stakeholder participation, and Electoral Institute training and research.
DAI supported capacity development, technical assistance, and the publication of non-sensitive reports and information flyers in the current political cycle.
He said INEC was happy to receive some of the tools created with DAI today.
According to Yakubu, the CROMS was designed to simplify, secure, and credibly recruit new and returning officers.
Sections 62(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2022 require the ERMS to improve election results’ management, accuracy, and storage.
The Media Monitoring and Analysis Tool will help the Commission sift through media coverage.
He added the PFRAS helps the Commission monitor political party money more efficiently.
Mr Yakubu said DAI consultants collaborated with INEC’s technical team and directors to build the tools.
He noted that the tools intended to address particular election difficulties, bringing technology to the Commission’s operational efficacy.
Mr Yakubu said the technologies might improve election efficiency, speed, due diligence, and confidence.
The INEC chairman noted that the tools were not intended for a specific electoral cycle, making them useful for future elections and activities.
EU-SDGN Phase II supported INEC from 2022 to 2027, spanning two election cycles (2023 and 2027).
He also supported the National Assembly, courts, political parties, media, civil society organisations, and inclusion (women, youth and persons with disability).
Mr Yakubu reaffirmed that the Nigerian government launched essential electoral operations in Nigeria and that the Commission was ready to work with the EU.
“Thank you, DAI and EU-SDGN Project Phase II. The Commission is open to further EU-implementer cooperation.
“I must also reiterate that key electoral operations are still sponsored by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a national responsibility,” Mr Yakubu stated.
Mr Aguilera said the EU hoped INEC’s new tools would improve its operations and Nigeria’s voting system.
“Today’s handover of these management tools illustrates how our partnership may convert into actual actions and supports for INEC and Nigeria.
“We are working at delivering you new election results management systems technologies that assist and provide efficient results management,” Mr. Aguilera stated.
He said giving over the instruments showed the EU’s commitment to democratic reform in Nigeria and beyond.
“EU election support is consistent and part of our basic ideals.
“It is also in our interest because, without democracy, a nation cannot meet its inhabitants’ demands and fully realise its ability for progress and opportunity for everyone.
So, democratic institutions are crucial.
We’re investing and helping Nigerian institutions grow every day.
“Stronger Nigeria equals stronger EU and we genuinely hope and honestly think that this a joint endeavour,” he added.
Mr. Aguilera praised the EU-INEC partnership since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 and pledged to continue working with everybody.
He noted that the EU looked forward to the INEC evaluation of the 2023 general elections and will use lessons learned to guide future cooperation and engagements.
“We are very looking forward to seeing how this would be implemented and might be part of evaluation of next circle elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.”