| By Chibuike Nwabuko Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Centre for Democracy and Development’s Election Analysis Centre (EAC) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the improvement in the handling of logistics in the March 9 governorship and state Assembly election. The group which deployed observers to 17 politically-charged and violence-prone battleground states for the elections informed that its observers reported early arrival of election materials and personnel in most locations. Adding that this is in sharp contrast with the Presidential and National Assembly polls in which late opening of polls was widespread. The Centre for Democracy and Development disclosed this on Sunday in a press briefing with the media in Abuja. It however noted that the elections of 9th March were characterised by low voter turnout in many parts of the country. Some of those interviewed by CDD observers expressed interest only in the outcome of the Presidential elections, while some expressed doubt as to whether their votes will count. The threat of violence also kept away some voters from the polls. CDD expressed worry on the quantum of violence that characterised the elections this year. Informing that a total of thirty people has so far been killed across the country while armed thugs turned their guns on citizens and opposing political parties. It also noted the actions of armed bandits and Boko Haram insurgents in Katsina and Adamawa states. The group expressed dismay on the activities of security personnel around the country, who have been accused of interference in the electoral process and failure to protect electoral staff and materials. |
It therefore reminded of
the need to review the rules of engagement guiding the involvement of security
personnel in election duties as it expressed sadness that a suspected ballot
box snatcher was killed and that an aide to a candidate also lost his life to
so-called accidental discharge.
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