INEC receives IRI/NDI reports on 2019 general elections
By, Lazarus Zakaa , Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Monday received the International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) joint report on the 2019 general elections.
The joint team IRI and NDI were among the 39 Foreign organisations accredited by INEC to observe the 2019 general elections and the team reportedly deployed 40 international observers to 16 States of the Federation for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and 20 international observers to 10 States of the Federation for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.
Chris Fomunyoh, NDI Associate for Africa in company of Elizabeth Lewis, IRI Acting Regional Director for Africa Division presented the report to INEC in Abuja.
Fomunyoh who spoke on behalf of the team said the captured findings and analyses of the electoral process and recommendations that when implemented, will help to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and promote democracy.
While announcing that public presentation of the report holds Tuesday at Hilton Hotel, Abuja, he said, “it is normal and courteous that we submit to INEC an advanced copy of our report and that is why we are here to formally submit to INEC”.
“As you are ware, our two organisations joined missions to observe the pre-electoral period as well observed election day both for the Presidential and legislative elections at the national level and state elections as well”, Fomunyoh noted.
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman while receiving the report assured IRI/NDI that the electoral body will study the report and immediately implement the recommendations within its power and use them in the November 16 Bayelsa and Kogi States governorship elections.
Yakubu explained that, the IRI helps political parties to become more issue-based and responsive, assist greater participation of citizens in governance and increase the role of marginalised groups in the political process while NDI strengthen democratic institutions through citizens’ participation, openness and accountability in government.
“The Commission will study your recommendations in detail and will continue to partner with you to improve the electoral and democratic processes in Nigeria. We have already embarked on our own internal reviews. Your report is coming at the right time.
“I wish to assure you that we will implement aspects of your recommendations that require administrative action by the Commission beginning with the forthcoming Bayelsa and Kogi Governorship elections scheduled for 16th November 2019.
“We will also work with other institutions on aspects of your recommendations that require consequential action beyond the mandate of the Commission”, he said.
