Politics
How we’ll be involved in Nigeria’s general election -European Union
The European Union has declared the nature of its involvement in the upcoming Nigeria’s general election.
The union made the declaration via its Election Observer Mission Chief to Nigeria, Mr Barry Andrews.
The Observer Mission Chief, who addressed a press conference on the matter in Abuja yesterday, began with a background on the mission’s interest in the country, and Nigeria’s general election.
He said it came on the invitation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We will assess the extent to which the elections comply with the international and regional commitments for the polls as well as the laws of Nigeria.
“The mission is independent in its findings from the Delegation of EU to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, EU member states, EU institutions and other international organisations”, adding that EU EOM mandate was to observe the electoral process in the country, and not to interfere.
”As part of its overall analysis, the EU EOM will closely follow its implementation.”
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“The EU EOM started its work nearly three weeks ago with the arrival of a core team of 11 experts with competencies in various aspects of elections.
“Since Jan. 29, 40 long-term observers in teams of two follow the electoral process in all the states of Nigeria.
”This is coupled with seven members of the European Parliament, together with some 40 locally recruited observers from 25 EU Member States.”
“The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement two days after each election days and will remain in Nigeria until the completion of the entire electoral process including complaints, appeals processes and any possible second round of the presidential election.”
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“All mission members are bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict impartiality and non-interference in the elections.
”The EU EOM undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, commemorated at the United Nations”, he said.