2023: EU deploys an election observation mission to Nigeria
The European Union (EU), in response to the invitation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the scheduled general elections February 25 and March 11, 2023.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, appointed Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament, Chief Observer of the MOE. in Nigeria, recalling that the EU had previously deployed election observation missions to Nigeria for the 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 elections.
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell is quoted as saying in the statement: "These elections will be crucial for the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria and for the stability of the region. This is the sixth time that the EU has deployed an election observation mission to Nigeria, which reflects our commitment to work together to consolidate democracy in the country. The elections are expected to be competitive and will take place in a difficult security environment. We hope that Nigerians will be able to vote in a peaceful environment and that any challenges or disputes will be resolved through dialogue or through available legal remedies.”
Chief Observer Barry Andrews said: "I am very pleased to have been asked to lead this EU election observation mission. The mission is taking place at a time when democracy around the world is The upcoming general elections are therefore not only a key moment in Nigeria's democratic development, but also important for the future of democracy in West Africa and the continent as a whole. to meet electoral actors who play an important role in the ongoing electoral process.”
According to the statement, the EU EOM will provide a comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on international and regional standards for democratic elections.
The EU EOM core team is made up of 11 election experts who will arrive in Abuja in the first half of January. Towards the end of January, 40 long-term observers will join the mission to be deployed across the country and monitor the election campaign. Subsequently, short-term observers from the EU diplomatic community as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland will reinforce the mission on election day.
The EU EOM will remain in the country until the end of the electoral process.
In line with the EU election observation methodology, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Abuja after election day. The final report, which will include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented after the finalization of the entire electoral process.
The European Union (EU), in response to the invitation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the scheduled general elections February 25 and March 11, 2023.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, appointed Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament, Chief Observer of the MOE. in Nigeria, recalling that the EU had previously deployed election observation missions to Nigeria for the 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 elections.
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell is quoted as saying in the statement: "These elections will be crucial for the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria and for the stability of the region. This is the sixth time that the EU has deployed an election observation mission to Nigeria, which reflects our commitment to work together to consolidate democracy in the country. The elections are expected to be competitive and will take place in a difficult security environment. We hope that Nigerians will be able to vote in a peaceful environment and that any challenges or disputes will be resolved through dialogue or through available legal remedies.”
Chief Observer Barry Andrews said: "I am very pleased to have been asked to lead this EU election observation mission. The mission is taking place at a time when democracy around the world is The upcoming general elections are therefore not only a key moment in Nigeria's democratic development, but also important for the future of democracy in West Africa and the continent as a whole. to meet electoral actors who play an important role in the ongoing electoral process.”
According to the statement, the EU EOM will provide a comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on international and regional standards for democratic elections.
The EU EOM core team is made up of 11 election experts who will arrive in Abuja in the first half of January. Towards the end of January, 40 long-term observers will join the mission to be deployed across the country and monitor the election campaign. Subsequently, short-term observers from the EU diplomatic community as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland will reinforce the mission on election day.
The EU EOM will remain in the country until the end of the electoral process.
In line with the EU election observation methodology, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Abuja after election day. The final report, which will include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented after the finalization of the entire electoral process.
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