International Human Rights Advocacy and Awareness Centre (IHRAAC) Observers Report on Nigeria's 2023 Presidential Election
Introduction:
The 2023 Nigerian presidential election marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history. With a staggering 90 million registered Permanent Voting Card (PVC) holders and 80 million PVCs collected, it was a defining electoral event. However, voter turnout reached its lowest point, with only 25 million casting their votes.
This report encapsulates IHRAAC's observations during this historic election.
Key Findings:
A. Security Personnel: A notable shortage of police personnel in polling units was observed. While 51% of units had one police officer, 33% had two.
- Military Personnel: Across the nation, 66% of polling units lacked military personnel.
- INEC Officers: In most polling units (63%), a minimum of four INEC staff were present, but some states reported only 2-3 INEC officials in select units.
- NSCDC Officers: 41% of observed polling units lacked NSCDC officers, while 40% had a single officer. A minority had 2-3 NSCDC personnel.
- SSS Officers: Across all sampled states, 39% of polling units had no SSS officers. Meanwhile, 24% had a single SSS officer, and 7-9% had 3-4 officers.
- Party Agents: Party agents were present in 49% of units, with a lower presence (33%) in certain units.
- International Observers: A majority of polling units (49%) had one international observer. In some states, 27% had two observers, while 8% had three.
B. Ballot Paper Count:
A significant majority (86%) counted ballot papers in front of voters before voting began.
C. Voting Procedure
Explanation:
A remarkable 99% of polling unit officials explained the voting procedure to voters upon arrival. Voting Material Arrival: Voting materials arrived between 8 am and 9 am in 55% of units.
D. Accreditation Time: Accreditation generally started from 8 am to 9 am (79% of units).
E. Orderly Polling Units: Almost all units (98%) conducted voting in an orderly manner.
F. Empty and Sealed
Ballot Boxes:
An overwhelming 96% of units reported that ballot boxes arrived empty and sealed. Voting Start Time: Voting typically commenced between 8 am and 9 am for most units (84%).
Voter Intimidation:
Intimidation occurred in 9% of observed cases, with regional variations.
Accreditation Success: An impressive 92% of voters were successfully accredited, with only 8% experiencing issues with BVAS.
Interference by Polling Officials: A minority of polling officials (17%) were reported to interfere with the voting process. Underaged Voting: 4% of units recorded underaged voting.
Campaign Activities:
Most units (87%) reported that campaign activities ceased as instructed by INEC.
Pictorial Evidence:
IHRAAC provided visual evidence showcasing various aspects of the electoral process, including voter turnout and polling unit conditions.
Observations:
Increased youth and women participation.
New polling unit centers facilitated voting.
Reduced vote-buying with redesigned naira policy.
Successful use of BVAS with Failure to transmit the results
Minimal election violence, particularly in the North East.
Limited interference by security operatives.
Challenges:
1. Late arrival of INEC officials and materials.
2. BVAS recognition failures.
3. Inadequate training for some adhoc staff.
4. Voter relocation due to insecurity.
5. Incidents of thuggery and box-snatching.
Recommendations:
1. INEC should enhance logistics for timely deployment.
2. Create more polling units to reduce overcrowding.
3. Improve BVAS training for adhoc staff.
4. Increase security in areas prone to thuggery.
5. Provide special access for people with disabilities.
6. Ensure timely distribution of election materials.
7. Sustain the positive performance observed.
Contact Information:
Ambassador Salisu Musa
Chief Observer IHRM Ambassador Nigeria Chairman IHRAAC
+2348030638288, 08160635099
sullubankejo2003@gmail.com
sullubawa2003@yahoo.com