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Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) Observer mission Preliminary Report on the 19th October 2024 Council Elections in Kogi State
We are pleased to present this preliminary report reflecting our observations and findings regarding the electoral process in Kogi State.
Openness of KOSIEC:
We commend the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) for its enhanced openness towards civil society organizations. The accreditation of KONGONET and our deployment of 30 observers across various Local Government Areas (LGAs) and polling units demonstrates a positive step towards transparency in the electoral process.
Training and Preparation:
The development of a comprehensive training manual for electoral officers was a significant improvement. Our team was able to witness the training sessions for local government electoral officers, which were thorough and informative. The engagement with accredited observers by KOSIEC on 17th October, 2024 was constructive, and the timely disbursement of observation kits further facilitated our monitoring efforts.
Election Day Observations:
The election was conducted in a generally peaceful atmosphere, which is commendable. However, we noted instances of late arrival of election materials in several polling units, particularly in Lokoja, the state capital. Conversely, reports from Ajaokuta, Ijumu, Olomaboro, Adavi, Okene and other local government indicated timely arrival of materials in some polling units, contributing to a smooth electoral process in those areas.
Areas for Improvement:
While the overall process displayed modest improvement compared to previous elections, there are critical areas that require attention:
(1) Pasting of Voter Register:There was insufficient visibility of the voter register at polling units, which hindered voter verification.
(2) Timeliness of Material Delivery: Ensuring the early arrival of election materials to all polling units is essential for a seamless voting experience.
(3) Security Deployment and Movement Restrictions: While we commend the robust deployment and availability of security personnel across most polling units visited. Strict adherence to movement restrictions must be enforced to maintain order, integrity and encourage voter turnout during the election process.
(4) Publicity and Sensitization of Voters
The commission needed to up its game in the area of publicity and Sensitization of Voters to improve election turnout.
Conclusion:
In summary, the electoral process observed thus far indicates a positive trend towards improvement, particularly in KOSIEC’s engagement with civil society. However, to enhance the integrity and efficiency of future elections, we urge the electoral commission to address the highlighted areas for improvement.
We remain committed to analysis and provide further detailed reports, as we continue to monitor the situation and analyze the outcomes of the entire elections process and put forward concrete recommendations to be delivered to KOSIEC to improve subsequent council’s elections in Kogi State.
Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina.
Chairperson,
Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET)
Team lead of KONGONET Observers mission in Kogi State Council’s election
19th October 2024.
