As the nation prepares for 2019 general elections, Connected Development [CODE], a civil society organization accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] is geared to ensure credible elections take place in all local governments across the country.
The Chief Executive and Head of the Observer Mission, Hamzat Lawal believes, “the foundation and success of democratic forms of government starts with credible elections guided by active participation of relevant stakeholders, resulting in the legitimacy of elected governments”. CODE has regularly deployed resources in observing elections; with experience in Kenya in 2013, since 2015 in Nigeria, and the 2016 United States of America elections.
Mr Lawal who expressed concerns over vote-buying strategies adopted by political parties, disapproved the act and fears that could impede the credibility of the upcoming elections. He espoused citizens’ participation in social contracting, that “before you can #FollowTheMoney, you have to first elect credible public officials into office.”
The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, had stated the importance of having election observers at polling units to increase transparency of the process and provide useful feedback mechanism for strengthening electoral procedures.
“Election observers do not interfere with the electoral process; they observe, take note and provide reports to improve election processes. They are present to allay fears and doubts of voters who may think their votes will not count due to their preemptive notions of elections in Nigeria”, he stressed.
