A delegation of joint foreign election observers has described last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly election as “largely peaceful, orderly and in conformity with Nigeria’s legal framework.”

They also noted that the polls provided an opportunity for consolidation of democracy, and broadened the political space in Nigeria despite obvious challenges.

The observers, drawn from African Union (AU), European Union (EU), The Commonwealth of Nations, National Democratic Institute (NDI), and Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), made the observation yesterday at a joint press conference at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Addressing newsmen, Head of AU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Deselegn, however, acknowledged that there were challenges of insecurity, tension and overcrowding

“Despite the challenges, election day operations were administered in a manner that allowed the free expression of peoples’ will. The closing and counting procedures were adhered to in over 80 percent of the voting points observed.

“The political space has been broadened as shown by the number of political parties and candidates in the elections. The Mission is also impressed with the patience and resilience demonstrated by Nigerians during the election,” he said.

In her own submission, Maria Arena, Chief Observer, EU Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, lauded the civil society for enhancing the electoral accountability even as “serious operational burdens put an undue burden on voters” during the elections.

While urging INEC to embrace full transparency in the collation of results, she called on political parties and candidates to use legal channels in addressing their grievances.

Arena added that “a fall in the percentage of female candidates shows a lack of promotion of women by the political parties.”

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Commonwealth Observer Group, Jakaya Kikwete, said by the election, the people of Nigeria had demonstrated patience and commitment to their democracy.

He noted delays in distribution of materials, faulty card readers, ill-trained polling staff, loss of lives, and disenfranchisement of eligible voters, as key lapses of the “highly contested election.”

The former President of Tanzania, however, welcomed the Not Too Young To Run Act (2018) as one of the key electoral reforms, which would help to build on what has worked, as well as address noticeable weaknesses.

He said the observers were impressed with the roles played by the security agencies and the media towards the success of the polls.

Former President of Zambia and Leader of EISA Election Observer Mission, as well as former Vice-President of the Gambia, Fatoumata Tombajang, who heads the International Election Observers Mission and, encouraged Nigerians to remain peaceful throughout the final stages of the election.

“Cognizant of the fact that the process is yet to be concluded, with the collation of results still ongoing, we refrain from making a conclusion at this point,” Bandah stated.

Daily Trust