Invalid votes: Election observers recommend frequent voter education

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CDEO) has recommended frequent voter education in Kebbi to check high cases of invalid votes in the subsequent general elections.

Malam Nasiru Musa, Leader of the coalition, at a news conference on their observation in the elections in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, recommended that the INEC should also improve in logistics arrangement to avoid future postponements of elections.

“There is a need for frequent voter education in the state so as to avoid high cases of invalid votes.

“INEC should improve in logistics arrangement so as to avoid future postponements of elections.

“Although there was an improvement in the functioning of the smart card reader, there is the need for INEC to improve its functions so as to avoid cases of future in authentication of voters,” he said.

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Musa said the coalition observed the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials at registration area council, wards and polling units within the state before the elections.

“We also observed the election period where we witnessed the arrival of INEC ad hoc staff at various polling units, the voting time commitment at various polling units across the state.

‘‘We also observed functionality and effectiveness of the smart card reader as well as the provision of security personnel at various polling units and their conduct, and all were impressive and orderly,” he said.

The leader, however, commended the INEC and other relevant stakeholders for the success in organising the elections in a free, fair and credible manner.

NAN reports that the coalition comprised the United Human Right and Philanthropy Foundation International and West Africa Network for Peace Building, Transition Monitoring Group.

Other members included the Nigerian Bar Association, Centre for Transparency Advocacy, and Sava Democracy Africa, among others.