Politics
The regional observer group appeals to aggrieved politicians to seek for redress in court instead of resolving to violence
By Emeka Ejere
The ECOWAS Observation Mission to Nigeria, has called on all candidates in the Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections to accept the results “in good faith”, urging any aggrieved candidate to seek redress in court.
This was contained in the mission’s preliminary declaration on the elections released in Abuja on Sunday night.
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former president of Liberia and head of the Observation Mission, said the elections were largely peaceful and transparent as voters were able to cast their votes freely.
She said: “The mission commends the general public and the voters for their patience and determination to exercise their civic responsibility.
“The Mission calls on the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) and other stakeholders to approach the final phases of the electoral process with fairness and transparency until the announcement of the final results.
“The mission appeals to party leaders, candidates, their supporters and the press to show tolerance and restraint leading up to, and after the announcement of the results.
“In the spirit of the commitment made in the Peace Accord of 13 February, the mission urges the candidates to accept the verdict of the polls in good faith, and in case of complaints, to seek redress by legal means solely.”
The mission commended the INEC and security agencies for their dedication and professionalism in spite of the several security challenges faced during the process.
She, however, expressed regrets at the disruptions observed in the process due to the outbreak of violence in some places, which resulted in the loss of lives and election materials.
“Despite the widespread delays witnessed at the commencement of the polls, the voting process went on smoothly in a majority of polling units when they got underway,” she said.
She urged the INEC to take steps to address the many shortcomings, including operational capacity and system that were observed all through the process.
The mission appreciated the efforts of political parties for their commitment and demonstration of maturity during the electoral process.
It similarly commended civil society, media, domestic and international observer groups for their contribution and commitment to the strengthening of the democratic process in Nigeria.
– Feb. 25, 2019 @ 04:20 GMT |
Tags: Elections 2019: ECOWAS Mission urges candidates to accept result
