INEC’s performance in 2023 polls must be assessed against challenges faced, says CSO

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), a civil society organisation, says the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the last elections must be assessed against the challenges faced by the body. 

Faith Nwadishi, executive director of CTA, told journalists in Abuja on Friday, that insecurity, naira and petrol scarcity “posed significant challenges for the successful execution of the electoral process”.

While berating the “partisan” views of some commentators on the outcome of the elections, Nwadishi said many of those commenting have not read the electoral act and are not familiar with the processes of polls.

“We can ensure a fair and unbiased assessment of the electoral process while remaining vigilant against those who seek to undermine our democracy,” she said.

She said the use of technology by INEC has set a new global standard for election management bodies.

Nwadishi said due to the reforms introduced by INEC even litigants relying on these reforms to present their cases at various tribunals across the nation.

“We must ensure a fair and unbiased assessment of the electoral process while remaining vigilant against those who seek to undermine our democracy,” she said.

“It is undeniable that some citizens expressed concerns about the challenges that bothered the elections such as logistical issues. However, we must consider the broader context in which the elections took place.

“The lack of adequate resources, such as cash and fuel, combined with the persistent insecurity across the country, posed significant challenges for the successful execution of the electoral process.

“In some unfortunate cases, citizens, including INEC officials themselves fell victim to these challenges, with some being abducted or tragically losing their lives. These circumstances should not be overlooked when evaluating the performance of the commission.”