The EU is not interfering in Nigeria’s general elections – Official

The Chief of the European Union Election Observation Mission in Nigeria, Mr Barry Andrews, says the mission will only observe and will not interfere in the February 25 and March 11 elections.

Barry made this known during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday about the purpose of the mission in Nigeria.

He said the mandate of the EU Election Observation Mission was to observe all aspects of the election process as requested by the Independent National Election Commission of Nigeria.

“We will assess the extent to which the election complies with international and regional polling obligations and the laws of Nigeria.

“The mission is independent in its findings from the EU Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, EU member states, EU institutions and other international organizations,” he said.

The envoy added that the 2022 Electoral Act introduced new measures to improve various aspects of the conduct of elections.

He added: “As part of its overall analysis, the EU EOM will closely monitor its implementation.”

According to Barry, for the first time in Nigeria, the mission has a dedicated election technology analyst who assesses the use of technologies, particularly voter verification and results transfer.

He said: “A media analyst and a social media analyst are also conducting an assessment of the role of the traditional media as well as social media and digital communication in the process.

“The EU EOM started its work almost three weeks ago with the arrival of a core team of 11 experts with competences in different aspects of elections.

“Since January 29, 40 long-term observers in teams of two have been monitoring the election process in all states of Nigeria.

“This involves seven members of the European Parliament, along with some 40 locally recruited observers from 25 EU member states.”

Barry said representatives from Switzerland, Norway and Canada in Nigeria would join the mission shortly before the election.

According to him, on February 25 and March 11, a total of about 100 observers will observe the voting, counting and table procedures.

Barry said: “The EU Election Observation Mission will issue a preliminary statement two days after each Election Day and will remain in Nigeria until the completion of the entire election process, including complaints, appeals and an eventual second round of the presidential election.”

He said the EU election election was launched at the invitation of INEC, adding: “All members of the mission are bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict impartiality and non-interference in the elections.

“The EU EOM carries out its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, memorialized by the United Nations.”

The Nigeria News Agency reports that the EU applies a consistent method of observing elections.

Observers do not interfere in the electoral process and are not authorized to change or correct any shortcomings.

All EU election observers are bound by a strict code of conduct and ethical guidelines that guarantee their neutrality and impartiality.

The EU Election Observation Mission aims to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process without interfering in any way with the conduct of the elections or validating the results.

NAN