INEC Seeks Election Observers for February Rerun, By-Election

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is extending an invitation to civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) keen on observing the upcoming February rerun and by-election.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications through the online portal (http://observergroups.inecnigeria.org) before January 17, as announced by Mrs Hauwa Habib, INEC’s acting Director of Electoral Party Monitoring (EPM).

In a notice released on Thursday, Habib emphasized the importance of completing the designated application form (EC14A(l)) via the provided portal. This requirement, she clarified, stands independently of any previous correspondence with the Commission.

Alongside the application form, observer groups are urged to submit essential details such as legal status (CAC registration), evidence of registration with INEC’s Civil Society Desk, and past election observation records with INEC. Falsification of documents in submissions, she warned, would result in automatic disqualification and potential legal consequences.

The application deadline is set for January 17, 2024. Successful observer groups will have their accreditation status published on the INEC website and the EPM observer’s WhatsApp platform. Habib highlighted that the vacancies for the by-election and rerun elections span two senatorial districts, four federal constituencies, and three state constituencies across nine states. These elections, she noted, are a response to directives from election petition appeal tribunals, originating from the 2023 general elections. Both categories of elections are scheduled to occur simultaneously on Saturday, Feb. 3.

As INEC prepares for these crucial electoral events, the call for observers underscores the commitment to transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Interested organizations are urged to adhere to the application guidelines for a fair and thorough consideration of their participation in shaping the democratic landscape.