Pro-democracy group asks INEC to ensure transparency in Bayelsa guber election

A Coalition of Pro-Democracy Organisations in Nigeria has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be transparent in the conduct of the November 11  governorship election in Bayelsa.

In a statement issued after a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, the group said INEC must ensure accurate and timely transmission of election results.

Olufemi Lawson, the national secretary of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Atani John of the Niger Delta Democratic Vanguard, who signed the communique, said, “electronic transmission of results is a vital component of ensuring the authenticity and fairness of elections”.

“We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider its proposal and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in the Bayelsa state governorship election,’ the statement reads.

“We call on INEC to ensure that the electronic transmission of results is not only maintained but also improved upon to guarantee the credibility of the electoral process.

“As critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we are committed to monitoring the upcoming Bayelsa state governorship election closely, and we will continue to advocate for transparency, fairness, and the highest standards of integrity in the electoral process.

“We call on all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, and the international community, to join us in safeguarding the integrity of this critical election.

“Finally, we urge the people of Bayelsa to rise and safeguard democracy, and avoid a rape of our democracy.”