From Comfort Yakubu, Abuja
The International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) joint election observation reportĀ has indicted, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian military and political parties over the anomalies of the 2019 general elections.
IRI/NDI in the joint report released to news menĀ in Abuja, observed that in the February and March general elections, essential materials were not delivered on time and poll workers arrived late, delaying the opening of polling units in many parts of the country.
The report further stated thatĀ the late opening of polling units led to the extension of voting hours and in some instances it continued till late into the night, giving room for manipulation of results and other irregularities.
It further reported that the last minute postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 16 depressed voter turnout, created confusion about duration of candidate and party campaign and undermined the public confidence in INEC.
The IRI/NDI reportĀ saidĀ “the military disrupted the polls in some areas, including Rivers state, where soldiers were deployed heavily around INEC offices, leading to the suspension of vote collation.
“These disruptions contributed to many cancelled votes, inconclusive election results and the need to conduct supplementary elections for some contests.
From Comfort Yakubu, Abuja
The
International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute
(NDI) joint election observation report
has indicted, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the
Nigerian military and political parties over the anomalies of the 2019 general
elections.
IRI/NDI in the joint report released
to news menĀ in Abuja, observed that in
the February and March general elections, essential materials were not
delivered on time and poll workers arrived late, delaying the opening of
polling units in many parts of the country.
The report further stated thatĀ the late opening of polling units led to the
extension of voting hours and in some instances it continued till late into the
night, giving room for manipulation of results and other irregularities.
It further reported that the last
minute postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections on
February 16 depressed voter turnout, created confusion about duration of
candidate and party campaign and undermined the public confidence in INEC.
The IRI/NDI reportĀ said
“the military disrupted the polls in some areas, including Rivers
state, where soldiers were deployed heavily around INEC offices, leading to the
suspension of vote collation.
“These disruptions contributed
to many cancelled votes, inconclusive election results and the need to conduct
supplementary elections for some contests.
