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Nigeria Decides 2019

#NigeriaDecides2019: More observers applaud elections, describe it as peaceful

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#NigeriaDecides2019: More observers applaud elections, describe it as peaceful

Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections have received more commendation as election observer group, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), has described the process as ‘generally peaceful.’

Like many other observers, the group said the exercise was generally very peaceful and the turnout was commendable.

This observation was revealed in its second interim report on the election signed by its acting Executive Director, Monday Osasah, and made available to journalists on Monday.

However, they recommended that logistics, which resulted in the postponement of the polls from the initial date February 16, be improved upon in future elections.

“Voter and civic education should be sustained and intensified to constantly remind the electorate of their civic responsibilities.

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“Election stakeholders should continue to cooperate with INEC to enable improvement in the process, procedure and the activities of the commission.”

Ahead of the March 9 governorship and state houses of assembly elections, INEC has been advised to improve on its logistics and ensure personnel and materials arrive early.

Centre LSD said the electoral body should also give attention to physically challenged persons nationwide by ensuring that facilities to aid their participation in the election were provided.

In order to prevent the reoccurrence of security challenges faced in some states,the group also called on INEC to work closely with security agencies and increase the number of security personnel at the polling environment in the March 9 elections.

The report added, “INEC should collaborate more with the National Orientation Agency and ensure a sustained civic and voter education across the country to sustain and up the level of turnout in the March 9 elections.

“The slow performance of the card reader should be addressed to gain time in future elections.

“Channel of communication between INEC and ad hoc staff must be improved for the next phase of the elections.”

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