A 50-member strong European Observation Mission in Nigeria, 2023, will be deployed across the country to monitor the forthcoming general elections.
The observers, who will operate in 20 teams in various parts of the country, will also be complemented by some embassy staff of EU-member countries in the country for monitoring polling units. Some members of the mission, who will operate in Lagos and are already in the country, shed light on the plans of the team during a visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Lagos Operations, yesterday.
The team of two EU’s observers comprising Mr Marko Logar, Long Term Observer and Ms Agnieszka Gorna, Long Term Observer, told NAN they looked forward to international best practices in the forthcoming polls. The elections begin in 11 days’ time with the presidential election.
Logar said that some members of the team already in the country had been observing election campaigns and the preparations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the elections.
He said the team has also been meeting critical stakeholders like Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations and judiciary, while also speaking with the media about activities ahead of the elections. Logar said that the mission’s findings after the election would be presented by its Chief Observer.
He said that they would also present the preliminary and final report on the elections.
Also speaking, Gorna added that the team was asking a lot of questions from stakeholders, just like their colleagues deployed to other states were doing.
She said: “We are not supporting any political party. We will be open to all comments and criticisms. We will like to be visible and transparent. We have nothing to hide.”
On expectations, Gorna said, “Everything should be according to the law – the Electoral Law, following international practices.”
Gorna said the EU has 20 teams of observers in Nigeria and would also get more staff to monitor polling units. He added: “Mostly in this period, we are interested in the campaign of candidates and political parties because the campaign is still ongoing.