Bauchi election free, fair, credible – Foreign/domestic observers

The March 18, 2023 Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections in Bauchi State has been adjudged as free, fair and credible.

The verdict was given by the forum of accredited Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) foreign and domestic observers, a Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSO), at a press briefing in Bauchi, on Tuesday.

Charity Erhire, who is the coordinator of the coalition, explained that the forum is a group of registered organisations accredited to observe the process of the 2023 general elections.

“INEC in its desire to conduct a credible election carefully selected group of election observers to observe the whole electoral process in Bauchi State,” she said.

“Therefore our observation mission provides opportunities for us to engage in constructive assessment, review and criticism”.

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Erhire commended seamless movements of ad-hoc staff and materials for the election.

“The distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive material for the election was adequate and materials and electoral officials arrived in most of the polling units in time,” she said

On electoral Security Management System:, she said the forum noted an effective and efficient provision of security operatives personnel during the exercise.

“There was adequate security arrangement which culminated to smooth peaceful conduct of the election,” she said.

“The election commences in most of the polling unit on a record time, though there were a few cases of late arrival of materials to some LG. Polling Unit due to the proximity and difficult terrain in some LG

“There was impressive turnout of voters in most of the polling units where electorate came out en-masse to cast their votes.

“They voted and elected candidates of their choice. Accreditation and voting was carried out simultaneously and on time.

“We also observed that the election was conducted in peaceful and conducive atmosphere and all the political parties that participated in the section had their party agents in most of the noting units especially APC, PDP Labour Party NNPP

“We wish to state categorically that the final results as was subsequently announced was free, fair, credible, transparent and adhered strictly to all international best practices.

“We state without fear of contradiction that the coalition and announcement of the result of the election as conducted by the National Independent Election Commission (NEC).

“Finally, we also witnessed the collation and announcement was devoid of any major violence or malpractice. ”

The forum commended the State Governor, Bala Muhammad, for providing a level playing ground for all the parties to exercise their rights to choose leader of their choice.

“Therefore winners must be magnanimous in victory while losers must accept defeat with dignity.

“The process was generally peaceful, transparent, tree, fair and credible.

“The CSOs group wishes to appreciate the security officials, the INEC staff all the ad-hoc staff, all the political parties, other stakeholders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, for their cooperation towards the success of the just concluded Governorship and the State Assembly election”