ECOWAS release statement on Presidential and National Assembly Poll

The ECOWAS Head of Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has appealed to all candidates in the Presidential and National Assembly elections to accept the results “in good faith” during a briefing on the mission’s preliminary declaration on the elections in Abuja on Sunday night.

The former President of Liberia said “The mission commends the general public and the voters for their patience and determination to exercise their civic responsibility.
The mission appeals to party leaders, candidates, their supporters and the press to show tolerance and restraint leading up to, and after the announcement of the results.
In the spirit of the commitment made in the Peace Accord of 13 February, the mission urges the candidates to accept the verdict of the polls in good faith, and in case of complaints, to seek redress by legal means solely.”

The mission applauded INEC and security agencies for their dedication and proficiency in spite of the several security challenges and issues with lack of materials faced during the process.

In addition, she stated “There were also disruptions due to outbreak of violence in some places, which resulted in the loss of lives and election materials.
Despite the widespread delays witnessed at the commencement of the polls, the voting process went on smoothly in a majority of polling units when they got underway.”

Moving forward, she advised INEC to take into account the many shortcomings, including operational capacity and system that were observed all through the process.

The mission commended the conduct and effort of all the stakeholders, ranging from political parties, civil society, media, domestic and international observer groups for their contribution and commitment to the strengthening of the democratic process in Nigeria.

Conclusively, the mission congratulated Nigerians at large who are the major stakeholder in the electioneering process, for their patriotism, tolerance and obligation in most part of the country which contributed to maintaining peace and tranquility in a vast majority of areas during the elections.

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