A foreign observer group, International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc., USA, has stated that the outcome of Saturday’s election in Ondo State was the true reflection of the will of the people.
According to the group, contestants who lost the election can explore legal channels in case of contestation and disagreement in the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in order to sustain the existing peace in the state.
While presenting the assessment analysis for the off-cycle election in Akure, the state capital, the mission spokesperson and Director of Administration and Organisations at the African Regional Command, Mr. Oscar David, described the election as peaceful with minimal incidences and complaints by party agents at polling units and the collation center.
He said: “The IPCSL mission commends the people of Ondo State in their conduct and cooperation with our team members across the LGAs, political parties, and all stakeholders for enabling an environment towards a successful election, with a show of patriotism and democratic culture, while urging all to continue to work to preserve national peace and stability in order to consolidate democracy and the rule of law, especially in a challenging socio-political context in the country.
“The Mission asserts, without fear of any contradictions, that the final result declared by INEC truly reflects the records of the ballot boxes at polling units. IPCSL welcomes the good collaboration between the various international missions and domestic observers. Likewise, we salute the quality of the exchanges and shared experiences in the Mission to Ondo State.”
The group recommended that INEC should continue to interact with political parties and the civil society community in order to strengthen and deepen the nation’s democracy, while more intense voter education and mass sensitisation by both the electoral body and political parties should be strengthened.
“As was made in our Edo Report, our Mission Team recommends further review of the electoral laws and guidelines to tackle a few challenges and incidences observed that need adequate legislation.
“Further improvement in security strategies to build more confidence and reduce voter suppression.”.
Also, the mission team headed by the Nigerian Director of Political and Democratic Affairs, Hon. Seye Oyetade, said it deployed 50 director officials of its organisation to the three senatorial districts of the state while engaging and collaborating with 20 domestic observer organisations that mobilised and deployed 10 experienced persons each, making a total of 200 domestic officials who were sent to the 18 local government areas of the state.
“The security conducted itself professionally and did not interfere in the processes. IPCSL commends the performance of the security agencies in this election.”