Barry Andrews, the Chief Observer, European Union Election Observer Mission to Nigeria, on Tuesday, said the 2023 election exposed enduring systemic weaknesses and therefore signaled a need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness and accountability.
Andrews disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, during a presentation of its priority recommendations based on its observation of the general elections held on 25 February, 18 March, and 15 April.
He said the Mission Observer has identified six areas for improvement in Nigeriaās electoral process moving forward.
Some of the key areas listed by the Mission are ambiguities in the law, the establishment of a publicly accountable process for the selection of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) members, ensuring real-time publication of results as well as access to election results.
It also highlighted the need for protection for media practitioners, while decrying the discrimination against women in elective and appointed positions as well as impunity regarding electoral offences.
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Andrews said the election exposed enduring systemic weaknesses and therefore signaled a need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness and accountability.
He further noted that there was a need for political will to achieve improved democratic practices in Nigeria and called for inclusive dialogue between all stakeholders on electoral reform.
In a similar vein, the EU Observer Mission on Monday presented its final report on the 2023 general elections to INEC.
According to a tweet by INEC, the delegation of election observers was received by the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, and national commissioners of the electoral body.