EU election follow-up mission notes progress with the new law and INEC reforms but also stresses the need for further actions

The European Union Election Follow-up Mission to Nigeria today released its report on the status of implementation of the 30 recommendations made by the 2019 EU Election Observation Mission (EOM). The EU Election Follow-up Mission was headed by Maria Arena, Member of the European Parliament and former Chief Observer in 2019. The Election Follow-up Mission met with a range of stakeholders to the electoral process and looked at the recently approved new electoral act.

The 2022 Election Follow-up Mission report notes progress in implementation of the recommendations offered by the 2019 EU EOM, including some priority recommendations, particularly with the passing of the new electoral act and some actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Of the 30 recommendations, at this time 11 can be considered partially implemented and two as implemented. The Election Follow-up Mission also noted that there has been a lack of progress on other recommendations and challenges continue going forward with implementation.

Ms Arena said “The passing of the electoral act 2022 is a great achievement. It is very impressive how the National Assembly, INEC and civil society worked together on this. INEC reforms are also impressive, particularly the uploading of polling unit results forms. We look forward to seeing more positive developments.”

Ms Arena also noted “We think it’s crucial that INEC’s independence is supported including in the prompt appointment to the upcoming vacancies for Resident Electoral Commissioners. INEC needs to improve its operational delivery capacity. We also think that INEC needs to do a comprehensive lessons learned exercise and undertake an independent evaluation so that the challenges and risks in the use of BVAS can be addressed before the general elections.”

“These actions, and others detailed in our report, including in regard to media and participation of women will help make real the new ambitions established in the electoral act 2022 and serve the wider democratic rights of citizens.” concluded Ms Arena, at a press conference in Abuja.

The Election Follow-up Mission Report is available at: https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/112163/european-union-election-follow-mission-nigeria-2022-final-report_en

The full archive of EU election observation reports and recommendations can be found at http://database.eueom.eu

EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS - https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/nigeria_en