The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its image by conducting successful governorship elections on March 11. According to the group, Chairman Auwal Rafsanjani, revealed that the conduct of the February 25 general election was poor. And INEC failed to deliver a straightforward mandate.
The report noted that INEC’s refusal to transmit results electronically from polling units created suspicions. There was possibility of human interference in the electoral process. The TMG called for the continued digitisation of the electoral process in Nigeria, citing the need for the sustainability and advancement of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to reduce rigging incidents.
Despite INEC’s unprecedented financial commitment and support from international organisations and civil society, the TMG criticised the commission for failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians. The group believed that the disparity in the credibility level between the National Assembly and the presidential elections was evidence of direct manipulation of the outcome.
The TMG called on citizens to remain steadfast and turn out in large numbers for the state elections. The group, therefore, urged INEC to conduct credible polls to redeem its image. Also, the group emphasised the need for introducing and using technology in the electoral system. The BVAS as an effective way of curtailing rigging.
