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Foreign Observers Say Nigeria’s Democracy Is Still Troubled With Electoral Failures

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Washington, DC – based National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI) Joint International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) say that the democracy  in Nigeria is still fraught with elections failures.

This is after 24 years of the country’s modern democracy which began in 1999.

NDI IRI , in its final report on the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria, released today, also offers practical recommendations for consideration by Nigerian stakeholders and partners to promote a resilient and inclusive democracy in the country.

In the report signed by Paulina Chavez Alonzo, Press Secretary National Democratic Institute,  noted that while there were incremental improvements in election administration, advances in results transparency, increased competitiveness in the presidential race, quality engagement of youth, and overall optimism generated by the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022, the 2023 elections in Nigeria fell short of citizens’ legitimate and reasonable expectations.

It said: ” Significant logistical, technological, and communications failures by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), divisive rhetoric by political parties, political violence, regional disparities in electoral integrity, instances of vote manipulation, and marginalization of key populations marred the electoral process and disenfranchised voters negatively impacted on key aspects of the election process.

” The elections also saw the lowest turnout for national contests in Nigeria’s modern democratic history with only 27 percent of registered voters participating.

“The incoming government, lawmakers, INEC, and political parties will need to show genuine and renewed dedication to improving electoral and democratic processes, fighting corruption, and providing Nigerian citizens with responsive and trusted institutions.

Nigerians must undertake collective actions to combat disenchantment, address lingering political grievances, and restore faith in elections and democracy as a whole,” the final report states.

The report includes key findings on the pre-election, election day and post-election periods and offers practical recommendations for consideration by Nigerian stakeholders and partners to promote a resilient and inclusive democracy.

The IEOM found that there is still space to confront electoral integrity challenges and build on the gains of recent reforms, but only through demonstrable political will, good faith, and committed and coordinated efforts among Nigerian stakeholders.

This report is based on information gathered by the joint NDI/IRI Nigeria international election observation mission, which was present in Nigeria from June 2022 to May 2023.

The 40-person election day delegation observed the polls in 20 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FTC).

It was led by a distinguished team including Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, former president of Malawi, and Ambassador Mark Green, former Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

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International

Madagascar: Military takes over as president impeached

Rajoelina, 51, had late Monday refused growing demands to step down from the protest movement that started on September 25 over power and water shortages, and developed into a campaign against the president and ruling elite.

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The military on Tuesday took over power in Madagascar after the parliament impeached President Andry Rajoelina. This was as a result of weeks of anti-government protests.

There were celebrations on the streets of the capital after the commander of the CAPSAT military unit, which joined the demonstrators over the weekend, announced that it was in charge.

The presidency denounced “a clear act of attempted coup” and insisted that Rajoelina, in hiding, reportedly out of the country, “remains fully in office”.

Rajoelina, 51, had late Monday refused growing demands to step down from the protest movement that started on September 25 over power and water shortages, and developed into a campaign against the president and ruling elite.

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International

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga dies in India

Indian police told AFP that he was walking with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor “when he suddenly collapsed.

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•Raila Amolo Odinga Photo by SIMON MAINA / AFP

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga died today at the age of 80 during a health visit to India.

AFP reports that Odinga was the perennial opposition figure of Kenyan politics, running unsuccessfully for the presidency on five occasions, most recently in 2022.

He remained a dominant force, able to rally huge numbers, particularly from his native western Kenya.

Indian police told AFP that he was walking with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor “when he suddenly collapsed”.

“An Indian police security officer and a Kenyan security officer were also with them at the time.

“He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, but was declared dead,” the police source said.

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Seychelles’ opposition leader wins presidential poll

In his victory speech, Herminie promised to lower the cost of living, revive public services, and unite the island nation, saying the result marked “a new chapter for all Seychellois”

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•Patrick Herminie, on right, has promised to heal divisions after a tough election campaign

Seychelles’ main opposition leader Patrick Herminie has won presidential elections.

He defeated the incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan in a runoff vote, according to official results released by the electoral commission.

Herminie gained 52.7% of the vote, compared with Ramkalawan’s 47.3%.

In his victory speech, Herminie promised to lower the cost of living, revive public services, and unite the island nation, saying the result marked “a new chapter for all Seychellois”.

After losing his bid for a second term, Ramkalawan congratulated Herminie on his victory, saying he leaves “a legacy that makes many presidents blush”.

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