A recent pre-election survey conducted by Yiaga Africa and NOI Polls ahead of the September 19, 2020 governorship elections in Edo State, Nigeria, has revealed hesitation on the part of voters and election officers due to fear of violence and also the possibility of contracting COVID-19 during the polls.
The report, which contains observations, findings and recommendations, was put together by Yiaga Africa, a coalition of civil rights organisations (CSOs), which had sent 24 Long Term Observers (LTO) to 18 Local Governments Areas in the state, as well as NOI Polls whose job involved gauging the opinions of relevant stakeholders about the impact of COVID-19 and its potential role in the upcoming polls.
According to the information contained in the report, about 68 per cent of respondents support INEC’s decision to hold the first off-cycle governorship election in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 42 per cent were concerned that voters and election officials could contract the virus on election-day.
Members of the electorate also raised concerns about violence in the state as a result of the elections. Citing examples leading up to the elections, approximately one-in-ten respondents said they had directly experienced violence and intimidation related to the elections, while over one-third had heard political candidates using hate speech on the campaign trail.
No Faith in INEC Nigeria
Assessing voter’s stance on the electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the report shows that forty-six percent of respondents lack confidence in INEC’s ability to promote credible elections, while 50 percent question the electoral umpires’ independence and 44 percent doubt the institutions’ preparedness for the election.
Voters also expressed disappointment in INEC’s inability to effectively communicate its new guidelines created to manage elections during the pandemic.
Recommendations
While asking for the electoral commission to comply with its laid out guidelines in the upcoming polls, Yiaga also called on INEC to properly fix its image especially in relation to independence impartiality and professionalism.
Preparations are underway for the election and political parties have since commenced campaigns.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
