INEC invites international monitors for 2023 general elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has invited interested international organisations across the world to observe the 2023 general elections.

INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu made the call when he received the delegation of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria.

The group was led by Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, former chairman of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, at the commission headquarters on Monday in Abuja.

The INEC boss disclosed that it was a demonstration of the commission’s openness to receive international observers.

“Election observation is an important part of ensuring transparency and credibility in elections. We have always benefited from the insight of election observation missions. For instance, you are here on fact-finding, we will hear from you what you have found so far, which will help us in concluding our preparations for the election,” he explained.

Yakubu assured the ECOWAS that the general elections would be technology-driven.

“Let me restate the commitment of INEC Nigeria free, fair and credible elections driven by technology. The 2023 general election in Nigeria will be driven by technology not only as a matter of legal requirement, but also as a matter of course, for us in the commission,” said the INEC chief.

He assured the ECOWAS team that “we are committed to delivering a credible election in the next four months and a few days, which will be Nigeria’s seventh successive elections, since the restoration of democracy in 1999.”

Yakubu, who commended ECOWAS for its commitment to credible elections in Nigeria, said it was the first to arrive Nigeria for the election.

“ECOWAS has demonstrated that seriousness and commitment to ensuring that we get (it) right electorally in this region in the next few weeks, I’m sure many more organisations will come,” added the INEC chair.

Yakubu also stressed the need to restore democratic government in all West African countries including Mali, Burkina and Guinea.


FI