TMG Congratulates INEC for Conducting A Peaceful and Conclusive Election In Ondo; Calls for More Strategies to Address Card Readers’ Failures
A Preliminary Statement on the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election ofNovember 26, 2016
Issued on November 26, 2016
Introduction
This is the preliminary report by the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) on the Ondo State Governorship Election ofNovember 26, 2016. This report is based on a preliminary examination of the field reports by TMG observers, roving observers and field supervisors on Election Day as provided.
Background
Political Space prior Ondo Elections:
Prior to the Ondo Elections, which held on the 26th of November 2016, Ondo State was heated up due to the conflicts amongst and within political parties generated as a result of lack of internal democracy in some of the major political parties in the State. Some of these resulted in court cases and other internal political parties administrative or arbitration processes. TMG notes that in moving Nigerian political system forward, there is a need to review our electoral processes to address democratic issues within political parties, TMG also calls for a review of the winners take all approach in our polity which has become a bane for heated political existence. We propose a more robust political space that can support proportional representation, independent candidature and allow more political freedom amongst members of political parties. We therefore call the new Ken Nnamani led Electoral Reform Committee to ensure that some of these issues are addressed.
Training and Deployment of TMG Observers:
The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) trained and deployed 200 domestic election observers in the Ondo State Governorship Elections of November 26, 2016. The one-day training programme held at various centres in the three senatorial districts of Ondo State, and drew participants principally from among persons who had taken part in previous TMG election observation operations as either field observers or field supervisors. The trained observers and supervisors were deployed to the eighteen local government areas of the state, with the principal deployment criteria favouring the state capital Akure, the local government headquarters, principal population centres, and towns and other settlements identified as actual or potential election hotspots.
Overall Preliminary Assessment
Our preliminary assessment of the Ondo State gubernatorial election of November 26, 2016 is in respect of the laid down procedure by the electoral act 2010 as amended. In line with the provisions of the electoral 2010 as amended, our preliminary opinion is that the election was generally peaceful, orderly, well-organised, and well-conducted. The principal positive highlights in respect were:
1.Voters turned out in large numbers at almost all polling units observed
2.Security was adequate, and in most places provided the confidence that most voters required to come out to vote
3.The voting process began sufficiently early at most polling units and proceeded with few disruptions
4.The counting of votes and declaration of results proceeded peacefully and witnessed no significant disruption
However, several of the old challenges and malpractices that have featured in elections since 1999 were again present in this election. These include the:
1.Late arrival of election officials and materials at few polling units, resulting in the late commencement of the various phases of the election process, contributing to voters’ apprehension
2.Difficulties in the accreditation of some registered voters due to malfunctioning of smart card readers and dislocation of polling units
3.Allegation of buying of votes and other attempts to unduly influence voters
4. Attempt to disrupt voting process by unidentified persons and political party agents in some places
5. Interactions with Security agents shows that issues of their welfare still remain a major concern.
Our preliminary assessment nevertheless is that these challenges and malpractices were relatively low and had no significant adverse effect on the process and outcome of the election.
Detailed Preliminary Assessment
Security
Security was generally adequate and in fact very substantial, with the military providing security on roads into and within most major towns and the Nigeria Police Force and the Civil Defence Corps providing security at the polling stations. The substantial security presence seemed overall to have provided the confidence that voters needed in most areas to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or violence.
Voter Turnout
Voter turnout was large at most of the polling units observed. Voters (both male and female) had arrived at most polling stations as early as 7.00am and were in their hundreds at most of the polling units.
Election Materials and Officials
Election officials and materials arrived in relatively good time at most polling units. There were however some reports of their late arrival, including at such places as:
1.Polling Unit 012 (Near Elewere House, Igboroko 1, Owo Local Government Area
4.Polling Unit 019 (Ward 8, Owo Local Government Area)
5.Polling Unit 006, School Road Block/Freeman, Akure South LGA
There were also reports of the Card Reader malfunctioning but were replaced in good time by the technical team deployed by INEC. These included several polling units at Akure and at such places as:
1.Polling Unit 011 (Ward 3, Akure South Local Government Area), opposite Police Headquarters
2.Polling Unit 009 (Ward 2 Sacred Heart, Akure South Local Government Area) with 1166 registered voters
Electoral Process: Generally Peaceful and Orderly
The election was generally peaceful and orderly, and the accreditation, voting, and counting processes proceeded generally smoothly.
Commencement
The election process started generally in good time at the various polling stations, with many starting between 8.00am and 9.30am. However, there were a few polling stations at which it started relatively late, usually due to the late arrival of materials. Examples included:
1.Ese-Odo LG, Apoi 4 Ward Unit 001: process began at 9. 45am
2.Owo LG, Igboroko 1, PU 012: Process began at 10.15am
Accreditation
While the accreditation of voters apparently proceeded generally smoothly, there were cases of accreditation difficulties involving persons who could not find their names in the voters register. Thisincluded:
1. Polling Unit 006 (Akure North LGA)
Voting, Counting, and Result Declaration Processes
The voting, vote counting, and result declaration processes seemed generally to have proceeded undisturbed. There were however no cases of electoral malpractices and disruptions so far.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TMG is of the preliminary opinion that the Ondo State gubernatorial election of November 26, 2016 was generally well executed and that the lapses witnessed, while disturbing, did not significantly affect its outcome.
We congratulate the people of Ondo State, INEC, law Enforcement Agencies, Local and International observers and media for a successful election. We also congratulate the winner of the Ondo 2016 Gubernatorial Election as announced by INEC and urge him to ensure that he takes positive steps to unite the State and ensure good governance and accountability in the state. We wish to remind stakeholders that if there is any discontent from the process or outcome of the elections, recourse should be made to legal and legitimate redress mechanism without any recourse to violence or self help.
Our full report to be issued later will expand on some of the issues observed.
Signed by
Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi
Chairperson, TMG