EU Election Observation Mission Raises Concerns Over Nigeria's 2023 General Election
The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission has raised concerns about Nigeria's 2023 general election, warning that it revealed systemic weaknesses which could cause democratic backsliding for the country. During a press briefing in Abuja, Barry Andrews, the chief observer of the mission, noted that violence recorded during the process was caused by systemic weaknesses, adding that no fewer than 21 persons have died from electoral violence.
Andrews went on to observe that there were records of vote-buying, massive voter apathy, and irregularities regarding the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). He noted that it was too soon to draw a pattern on whether there were valid grounds for the irregularities regarding the BVAS.
The EU chief observer also pointed out that there was significant voter apathy, mainly because voters' expectations during the presidential election were not met. Andrews stressed that the 2023 elections' outcome could have huge ramifications across the continent, and it was essential to address the systemic weaknesses urgently.
The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the EU's concerns, but the country's electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has promised to investigate the issues raised by the EU mission.
The EU chief observer's concerns about Nigeria's 2023 general election highlight the need for African countries to prioritize credible and transparent electoral processes to ensure democratic consolidation. The EU and other international organizations should continue to engage with African countries to strengthen their electoral systems and promote good governance.
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