The International Election Observation Mission (IEOM), which the National Democratic Institute and International Republican Institute jointly organised, released its final report on the Nigerian general elections of 2023 on Tuesday.
Dr. Joyce Banda, a former president of Malawi, served as the mission’s leader. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) provided support for the mission. Its preliminary report was delivered on February 27.
According to the report, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC(inadequate )’s communication and lack of transparency regarding their cause and extent produced uncertainty and weakened voters’ trust in the process) undermined voter confidence in the polling process.
Paulina Chavez Alonzo, press secretary for the National Democratic Institute (NDI), sent the DAILY POST the final elections report on Tuesday. She delivered a damning verdict in it, stating that the nationwide election saw the “lowest turnout for national contests in Nigeria’s modern democratic history, with only 27% of registered voters participating.”
Although there were advancements in election administration, results transparency, presidential race competition, youth engagement, and overall optimism brought on by the passage of the Electoral Act 2022, it was noted that the elections “fell short of citizens’ legitimate and reasonable expectations.”
The mission found “significant INEC logistical, technological, and communications failures, divisive political party rhetoric, political violence, and regional disparities in electoral integrity,” concluding that “incidents of vote tampering and marginalisation of key populations tarnished the electoral process and disenfranchised voters.”
The study calls on the new administration, parliamentarians, INEC, and political parties to demonstrate sincere and renewed commitment to enhancing electoral and democratic processes, combating corruption, and establishing institutions that Nigerian citizens can rely on.
The final report concludes, “Nigerians must take joint measures to overcome disillusionment, resolve persisting political complaints, and restore faith in elections and democracy as a whole.”
The IEOM observed that there is still room to address issues with election integrity and build on the successes of previous reforms, but only with the help of stakeholders in Nigeria who demonstrate a political will to do so, act in good faith, and work together.
The report gives helpful recommendations for Nigerian stakeholders and partners to take into account in order to promote a robust and inclusive democracy. It also includes critical findings on the lead-up to, on election day, and following the election.
The report is based on the delegation’s data gathered between June 2022 and May 2023. The delegation of 40 observers monitored the voting in 20 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, on election day (FCT).
In addition to thanking the Nigerian people for their friendly reception of IEOM, the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute also praised the contributions made by the more than 60 observers who took part in the pre-election, election day, and post-election teams.
