Edo 2020: Observers Declare Election Standard, Credible
Accredited domestic observers for last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State have said the election was free, credible, transparent and met international standards for domestic elections.
The coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) domestic observer groups noted at a press conference in Benin City on Monday that “INEC was resolute, prepared and committed to conducting a credible, free and fair governorship election in Edo State by providing a level playing ground for all the political parties and ensuring timely and even distribution of election materials across the entire polling units as well as timely commencement of the election.”
Mr. Victor Kalu, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, said the law enforcement agents “indeed saw the election job as a national assignment and acted accordingly. The law enforcement agents and other designated government officials to the election abided by the terms of reference and status of constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, before, during and after the election.”
“We are happy to observe that much of the perceived tension and fear of Edo State to be submerged with electoral violence and other security breaches during the election, stemmed from the information which unscrupulous elements and people outside the state were peddling because Edo State is perceived to be prone to electoral violence. In the case of this election, we noted a peaceful election to the disappointment of the doomsayers.
“We observed with satisfaction that INEC’s uncompromising position on the strict compliance to the use of smart card readers which was very effective during the election and cancellation of results where applicable, due to violence and other violations, to a very large extent, defined the entire exercise and positioned INEC as truly committed to getting it right in our electoral process as a democratic nation”, he said.
They applauded all security agencies for their impressive professional conduct during the election, adding “there was no record of intimidation and harassment due to their overzealous interference.”
They said INEC was “resolute and committed to giving Edo and indeed Nigerians such a wonderful and acceptable election.
“We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his fatherly disposition by not interfering in the election, but remained true to his words of ensuring credible and transparent elections in Nigeria.”
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