2019 polls: Commonwealth calls for prosecution of election violence perpetrators

- The Commonwealth Observer Group has called for the prosecution of perpetrators of election related violence

- The group says those found liable of election related violence should be prosecuted

- According to the group, Nigeria can do better; violence has no place in a modern democracy

The head of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, has called for the prosecution of perpetrators of election related violence in Saturday, February 23 presidential and National Assembly elections.

In the group’s interim statement presented in Abuja on Monday, February 24, Kikwete, former president of Tanzania, said that those found liable should be prosecuted, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Legit.ng notes that Kikwete said: “Election related violence and loss of life, which occurred in a number of places, is deeply troubling. Nigeria can do better; violence has no place in a modern democracy.

“Those responsible should be held accountable, we encourage all political parties to honour their commitments in the National Peace Accord and reject violence.“

According to reports from the civil society, about 35 people were killed in election violence across eight states.

The head of the group, however, said in spite of the challenges experienced that Nigerians had the opportunity to express their will and exercise their franchise.

He said: “We trust that the final stages of collation and announcement of results will be handled in a transparent and credible manner."

He also urged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include Nigerians on essential duties in the voting process in future elections.

Kikwete said: ‘’We noted that polling officials, security staff and other essential workers are unable to vote and are therefore disenfranchised.

“In addition, we are told that 11.2 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are not collected; consequently, over 13 per cent of all registered voters could not vote."

He lauded the hard work and dedication of polling staff but noted that many of them would benefit from more comprehensive trainings.

The group leader also commended increased women’s political participation as candidates and encouraged the government and all political parties to take stronger action to promote “genuine inclusion”.

Furthermore, the group welcomed the passing of the Not-Too-Young-to-Run Act as a significant first step to enabling youth participation in all elective offices.

He said: “We hope additional ways will be found to enable more young people to participate effectively in future elections as candidates and voters."

He also commended the Nigerian youth, especially the National Youth Service Corps, for their invaluable contributions to the electoral process.

The group leader commended Nigerians for their patience and commitment to democracy and appealed that they maintain the same commitment in the post-election period.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Senator Binta Masi representing Adamawa north lost her re-election bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Ishaku Cliff of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Binta is currently the only female lawmaker from northern Nigeria in the Senate.

When announcing the result, the returning officer, Professor Mamman Baba Ardo said Binta scored 16,219 votes, while Cliff of scored 43,117 votes.

Follow live updates of situation reports and collation of results across Nigeria

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