…Raises concerns over vote-buying, accessibility challenges
The British High Commission in Nigeria has commended the people of Osun State for their peaceful participation in the August 15 governorship election and congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.
In a statement on Monday, the High Commission said it deployed accredited observers to the election after engaging with various stakeholders ahead of the poll.
It said its observations, which were consistent with findings from credible independent observer groups, showed several encouraging signs of a positive democratic process.
According to the statement, polling commenced as scheduled in many locations, security personnel maintained order, while officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) effectively implemented electoral procedures.
The High Commission also commended voters for the patience, resilience and participation they demonstrated throughout election day.
It, however, noted reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the election, as well as the continued challenge of vote-buying across party lines.
It also raised concerns about access to polling units for persons with disabilities and elderly voters, as well as overcrowding arising from the speed and limited availability of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices for accreditation.
The High Commission urged relevant institutions to review the issues and draw lessons from the election, including recommendations by credible organisations such as the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.
It said such measures would help strengthen public confidence, transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The statement read in part: “Based on their observations, and consistent with the findings of credible independent observer groups with wider deployments across the state, we welcome several encouraging signs of a positive democratic process.
“This includes the opening of polls as scheduled in many locations, the commitment of security personnel to maintaining order, and the effective implementation of electoral procedures by INEC officials.
“Most of all, we were encouraged by the patience, resilience and participation demonstrated by voters throughout the day.
“We note reports of isolated incidents that generated tension before and during the electoral process and the significant remaining challenge of voter including vote-buying, across party lines.
“We also note continued issues with access for people with disabilities and for elderly people, as well as overcrowding due to the speed and limited provision of BVAS devices for accreditation.
“We encourage the relevant institutions to review these issues carefully and to draw lessons — including from the recommendations of credible organisations like the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room — that strengthen public confidence, transparency and accountability.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the High Commission noted that off-cycle elections benefit from additional personnel and resources that may be more difficult to replicate during nationwide elections.
It nevertheless expressed hope that lessons from the Osun election would inform further improvements aimed at strengthening the integrity, inclusiveness and credibility of future elections.
COURTESY: vanguardngr.com
