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The Commonwealth election observation team in Nigeria yesterday
expressed concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s
accreditation process, which some political parties have opposed, as well as
the decision to allow voters wait after casting their votes.

Contrary to an earlier directive of the police, the electoral
commission says voters are free to stay back for election results as long as
they do not cause trouble.

A reviewed directive from the police said security agencies
will allow voters stay 300 meters away from the polling point but the chairman
of the electoral body, Attahiru Jega, has asked voters to stay 30 metres away,
saying the process will be more transparent if voters are allowed closer
proximity.

As elections begin tomorrow, the Commonwealth Group, led by
former president of Botswana, Festus Mogae, yesterday expressed concerns over
the confusion at a meeting with the INEC leadership.

“I share the sense of excitement and anticipation that we have
come across in Nigeria, but also their apprehensions about the likely
challenges that lie ahead,” Mr. Mogae told Mr. Jega at a meeting in Abuja.

Responding, Mr. Jega said although the commission is happy to
allow voters witness the collation of results from a close range, the decision
remains that of the police since it involves security.

“Our believe is that it will make the process more transparent
and credible,” he said, adding that the commission is yet to resolve with the
police on the final decision.

Accreditation

Mr. Mogae said the observer team “shares the apprehension” of
some of the political parties who have opposed the new stringent accreditation
measures introduced by the body.

A growing number of the political parties have criticized the
“rigorous” verification process to be deployed by the electoral body.

On election days, voters are expected to be verified between
8am and 12.30pm in a series of coordinated but strict procedures never deployed
since 1993 elections that was adjudged one of Nigeria’s best.

Each accredited voter will be inked and counted on a queue
before allowed to ballot.

While some of the political parties fielding candidates for the
elections, including the ruling People’s Democratic Party, say the method will
be tedious for their supporters, others praised the commission for what they
view as a radical move that will help combat malpractice.

The electoral commission has ruled out the possibility of
reversing the new plan.

Vote of confidence

The Commonwealth team, however, said it believes in the
competence of INEC to handle challenges that may arise from the sweeping
changes.

“I am however confident that INEC will address these
challenges, and hope that the elections go well,” he said.

The team, joined the European Union, the National Democratic
Institute, and the International Republican Institute, to “recognize” INEC’s
effort in administering the elections.

In a joint press release, the observer missions urged the
security agencies in the face of troubling cases of violence across the country
to contribute to a peaceful environment, maintaining the rule of law and
safeguarding the integrity of the process.

They also urged the political parties and their supporters to respect the
code of conduct they signed with INEC and refrain from violence.