AFRICA/NIGERIA - Less violence in elections: Observers complain about organizational problems

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - The level of violence in the margins of the elections last February 25, during which the Head of State was elected and the deputies of the National Assembly (cf. Fides 24/2/2023), although less than in the past, was nevertheless, according to election observers, there were organizational problems and a lack of transparency.
The head of the international delegation of election observers and former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, congratulated "the Nigerian people for their perseverance and enthusiasm in taking part in the process", noting that "despite the heavy crowds at some polling stations and the long waits, Nigerian voters have shown a commitment to participate in the election and a strong desire to make their voices heard".
However, Banda noted that "the late opening of polling stations and logistical inadequacies created tensions, and polling secrecy was compromised at some polling stations due to overcrowding. After polling stations closed, problems with electronically transmitting results and uploading them to a public portal in a timely manner undermined them public confidence at a crucial moment in the electoral process".
Banda also complained that a lack of transparency and communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) "created confusion and undermined voters' confidence in the electoral process."
Caritas Nigeria pointed to delays in setting up the polling stations. "We deeply regret that more than 50% of the 176,606 polling stations across the country were supplied with voting materials at a snail's pace," laments Rev. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, director of Caritas Nigeria. "Furthermore, it is disheartening to note that following the pre-election curfew and empty streets, INEC officials and security personnel were unable to reach more than 60 percent of polling stations nationwide before noon," Caritas Nigeria also reports that state officials have made it difficult to get election materials to some opposition strongholds and that there have been reports of threats against poll workers.
Meanwhile, the counting of the votes continues. According to the results announced by election officials in 25 of Nigeria's 36 states, Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari's All Progressive Congress (APC) party, leads with 36% or 7 million valid votes. Atiku Abubakar, the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, is close behind with 30%, or almost 6 million valid votes.
Outsider Peter Obi received 20%, or about 3.8 million valid votes, but achieved an important result as he won the important state of Lagos, the ruling party stronghold, where Tinubu was governor from 1999 to 2007. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 28/2/2023)

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