THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has inaugurated its Election Working Group to monitor next month’s general elections.
Among its terms of reference, the group is to develop a platform from which reports from lawyers from different polling units can be collated and documented.
The 27-man committee headed by Dafe Akpedeye (SAN) will coordinate in different polling units, monitor and initiate discussions with security agencies to ensure a secured environment.
It will also meet with traditional and religious leaders as well as partner civil society organisations and other stakeholders on electoral reforms.
NBA’s President Augustine Alegeh (SAN) said: “Disturbing electoral trends such as intimidation of voters, snatching of ballot boxes and other vices shall be the focal-point of the Election Working Group.
“Proactive steps must be adopted to checkmate incidences of electoral violence and malpractice. The Election Working Group shall set up a communication platform for efficient reporting of the elections by lawyers serving as election monitors/observers in various polling units in the country.”