The group of accredited election observers for Delta State local government elections conducted on Saturday, July 13, has issued its preliminary report, confirming that the election transpired in a generally peaceful, free, and equitable manner.
In a statement released on Monday in Asaba, the group, comprising 25 accredited NGOs, asserted that the local government elections in the state were executed in alignment with international best practices.
As articulated by the team leader of the DSIEC Accredited Election Observers, Comrade Fidelis Nweke, the election was carried out in substantial adherence to the pertinent state electoral legislation.
The Election Observers divulged in the statement that certain challenges were noted in specific areas; however, these challenges were deemed inconsequential in altering the results declared by DSIEC.
In their pre-election assessments, the statement highlighted that members of the Consortium observed the dispensation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials at the CBN Headquarters in Asaba. This encounter involved engagements with various stakeholders in the electoral process, including the state Commissioner of Police, the leadership of DSIEC, political parties, and the electorate.
The significance of these interactions with pertinent stakeholders was aimed at gauging their readiness as an integral aspect of election observation in the state council polls.
Regarding the election day proceedings, the statement indicated that the Coalition’s team of Observers deployed across the three senatorial districts of the state reported that the exercise unfolded in a generally peaceful manner, with voters turning out in significant numbers to exercise their voting rights.
“The distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials was largely commendable for the efficient manner in which these materials were disseminated from ward levels to various polling units across the 24 local government areas of the state.
“Nevertheless, delays in the arrival of election materials were noted in some polling units we visited, resulting in a tardy start to the voting process,” the statement conveyed.
While acknowledging a commendable voter turnout in most areas, the statement also identified instances of voter apathy in certain polling units, attributing this apathy to sporadic showers on the election day in specific regions.
“Overall, the atmosphere was peaceful, and the voting process proceeded smoothly. In the majority of the polling units visited by our Observers, voting, ballot paper sorting, and result tabulation were observed, with candidates from various political parties declared victors at different units, pending the comprehensive announcement of the election outcome.
“All participating political parties and their candidates exhibited maturity in their conduct.
“We observed that DSIEC demonstrated resolve, transparency, and dedication to conducting a credible, free, and fair local government elections in the state.
“As such, they facilitated a fair playing field for all political parties involved in the elections, with all stakeholders, political parties, civil society organizations, media, and security agencies, among others, demonstrating commitment to ensuring a peaceful election in the state,” members of the Consortium articulated in the statement.
The statement recommended the implementation of restrictions on the movement of individuals and goods on election day to deter voter apathy in future elections, emphasizing that relevant stakeholders and security agencies should enforce compliance.
“We recommend that prior to the forthcoming election in Delta State, the electoral body should collaborate with civil society organizations and political parties to conduct voter education, awareness campaigns, and mobilization to enhance citizen participation.
“We further recommend that before the next election, DSIEC should make provisions for People Living With Disability (PLWD) to facilitate their engagement in the electoral process,” the statement appended.
In commending the DSIEC Chairman, the Commissioners, staff, and ad-hoc personnel for overseeing a peaceful, free, and fair election in the state, the statement praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for ensuring the provision of all necessary logistics for the conduct of the peaceful election.
The DSIEC Accredited NGOs that monitored the elections included the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Delta State Chapter; Mega Impact Foundation; Integrity Group of Delta State; Concerned Deltans for Good Governance Network; New Nation Foundation for Global Development; Women and Youth Empowerment for Global Change Initiative; Echo for Good Governance, Human Development, and Enhancement Initiative; Advocate for Sustainable Development and Initiative for the Rapid Development of Nigeria (IRD-Nigeria).
Others comprised the Citizens Rights for Peace and Good Leadership Initiative; African Christian Care Trust Organization; Chiro Credible Election Forum; Committee for Development (COD); Foundation for the Promotion of Women Development; Advocates of the Greater Good and Citizens Greater Good Initiative; Eziodu Initiative for Sustainable Environmental Development and Coalition for Credible Elections, Good Governance, and Democracy.
Additionally, the Alliance for Social Justice and Human Rights; Delta State Civil Engagement and Civil Society Volunteers; Delta State Civil Society Volunteers; Governance and Equal Justice Alliance; Progressive and Good Governance Support in Nigeria; Initiative for Global Women Empowerment; Akwa-Ibom Esteem Welfare Association; and Youth and Media Network Organization were part of the observing entities.
