EU Deploys Election Observation Mission in Nigeria

The European Union said in Abuja on Tuesday that it had
deployed an Election Observation Mission for the forthcoming
general elections in Nigeria.
A statement signed by the Press Officer of the mission,
Eberhard Laue, said that the EU group would be headed by
Santiago Ayxela.
It said that Ayxela, who is a member of the European
Parliament, and from Spain, would arrive in Abuja before Jan.
25.
“A delegation from the European Parliament and EU diplomats
in Nigeria will also join the mission on election days,” the
statement said.
It added that the EU EOM’s presence was an indication of its
commitment to the conduct of inclusive, transparent and
credible elections in Nigeria.
The statement quoted Ayzela as saying, “we don’t just focus
on the election days, but on all aspects of the electoral
process, including the arbitration of petitions long after voting
is finished”.
It added that the mission would conduct a comprehensive
analysis of the entire electoral process.
“This will include assessing the legal framework, the
performance of the election administration, voter registration,
candidates’ nomination and political parties’ primaries.
“This also includes campaign activities, respect for
fundamental freedoms, access to and conduct of the media,
voting and the counting, announcement and acceptance of
results, and complaints and appeals.
“The EU EOM is bound by a code of conduct which requires
strict neutrality and no interference in the process and
undertakes all its work in accordance with the Declaration of
Principles for International Election Observation,” it said.
It stated that the EU EOM would publish its initial findings in
preliminary statements, which would be presented at press
conferences, two days after an election day.
“A final report will be later published which will include
recommendations for improvements for future elections,” it
added.
( VANGUARD, ALLAFRICA)