However, many states have recorded worrying levels of election-related violence with considerable deterioration in Lagos and Rivers states, key battlegrounds. CDD notes with serious concern, the high incidence of human rights violations reported across the country including loss of lives, arson and destruction of property, deliberate targeting of electoral officials, intimidation of voters etc.
11
April 2015
For
Immediate Release
15h00
CDD’s
Analysis Centre
Preliminary
Report on Accreditation of Voters for the 2015 Governorship and State Assembly
Elections
Preamble
Today, Nigerians return to the polls
to elect governors and state legislators in 29 and 36 states of the federation
respectively. Over 10 political parties are participating in today’s exercise.
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) deployed observers and reporters
in 21 states namely, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo,
Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Oyo, Taraba, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra,
Enugu, Delta, Rivers and Sokoto states. Our coverage of the exercise is aimed
at assessing the quality of the electoral process and informing the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) Citizens’ Reporting Centre as well as the
general public of cases of irregularity and logistical/technical problems.
Election observation and analysis will also enhance the transparency and
credibility of the process and discourage electoral malfeasance.
Arrival of INEC Officials, Materials
and Accreditation
In terms of the general
administration of the election, INEC recorded substantial improvement,
especially in terms of timely arrival of electoral officials and materials, as
well as in the functionality of the card readers. Accreditation of voters was
also generally orderly and peaceful, devoid of hitches associated with the
presidential and National Assembly elections. The presence of security
officials, party agents and independent observers was noted at the start of the
process in most polling stations. However, their presence was not sufficient to
deter interruption in some polling units. Despite these improvements, CDD
observed the late arrival of electoral officials and materials in some polling
stations in Rivers, Delta, Abia and Imo States.
In contravention of stipulated INEC
guidelines, there were reports of polling stations where accreditation and
voting took place simultaneously. Such cases were reported in Plateau
State (Gwon 040-NARAGUTA 'B'-JOS North), Kaduna State (PU 026 Hanwa
Makera Sabon Gari LGA) and Imo State (PU 002 Umuma Isiaku ward, Ideato South).
Election-Related Violence
Although accreditation went on
smoothly without incident in most polling units across the country, significant
incidences of shootings, protests, arson and fatalities were recorded in most
geopolitical zones. For example, election was suspended in Essan PU 004
in Dokota Ward, Gbako LGA, Niger State due to unrest. In Eku community, Ethiope
East LGA of Delta State, at least two persons were killed after violence
erupted. Furthermore, in Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State, thugs reportedly
intercepted the transportation of sensitive materials in a polling unit in Oso
Ward 2. In addition, the Ogudu, Odi-Olowo (Mushin) and Osoroko (Ibeju Lekki)
areas of Lagos State witnessed minor skirmishes between supporters of the two
major political parties, namely the PDP and APC, with ballot boxes reportedly
thrown into the lagoon in Osoroko. Gunmen were also reported to have taken over
the Town Hall Polling Zone in Ilase-Ijesa, Obokun LGA of Osun state. Rivers
state reportedly recorded the highest and most serious cases of violence during
the accreditation process. Protests, violence and sporadic shootings over
alleged non-availability of some electoral materials were reported in Buguma,
Obio Akpor and Andoni LGAs. In Obio Akpor, for example, thugs reportedly
snatched electoral materials meant for voting. Also in Gokana LGA, men in fake
military uniform and identity cards were apprehended by the police. The house
of the current Rivers state Commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs Joeba West, was
also reportedly set ablaze. Clashes involving political party agents were also
reported in Iyamoyom in Obubra LGA of Cross River State, leading to injuries.
Voter Turnout
Voter turnout was generally noted to
be significantly lower than witnessed during the presidential elections, particularly
in urban centres. CDD in its post-election analysis will comment more
extensively on the issue of voter turnout and apathy.
Concluding Remarks
While accreditation in the 28 March
2015 presidential and national assembly elections was slowed down by technical
hitches, today’s exercise appears to have taken place with a minimal number of
glitches despite significantly lower voter turnout. However, many states have
recorded worrying levels of election-related violence with considerable
deterioration in Lagos and Rivers states, key battlegrounds. CDD notes with
serious concern, the high incidence of human rights violations reported across
the country including loss of lives, arson and destruction of property,
deliberate targeting of electoral officials, intimidation of voters etc. It is
crucial that security agencies uphold their primary responsibility of
maintaining law and order without partisanship. It is also imperative that
party leaders, agents and supporters refrain from all acts of intimidation, incitement
and violence. CDD calls on appropriate authorities to bring to justice the
perpetrators of all forms of electoral violence.
Signed
Idayat
Hassan
Director
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)
No comments:
Post a Comment