The need for election observers

Indeed, observation can start from the registration of voters up to the announcement of election results. Observers either individually or collectively through their sponsoring bodies are required to apply for accreditation from the election management bodies appointed by respective governments to conduct periodic presidential and parliamentary elections under the plurality or proportional representation systems Once […]

Indeed, observation can start from the registration of voters up to the announcement of election results. Observers either individually or collectively through their sponsoring bodies are required to apply for accreditation from the election management bodies appointed by respective governments to conduct periodic presidential and parliamentary elections under the plurality or proportional representation systems
Once accredited, the observers are expected to comply with a code of conduct which stipulates strict impartiality in the assessment of the electoral process and refraining from interference with the duties of polling officers. The role of the observers involves noting and recording matters of concern which impinge upon the electoral principles and guidelines for reporting in good faith to the election management bodies which are quite willing to accept constructive suggestions for improving the future conduct of elections.
But the general public, especially the International Community, are keenly interested to know the outcome more particularly if the elections are conducted freely and fairly. The role thus played by observers has become quite crucial in determining the credibility of elections.
In order therefore to measure up to expectations, election observers, first and foremost, must strive hard to have a good grasp of the political system of the country conducting elections. Structure of the government, registration of political parties, nomination of candidates, delimitation of constituencies, population, number of polling stations, registration of eligible voters, their qualifications to vote, the constitutional, legal and institutional framework of the elections be it presidential, national or state assemblies, must be thoroughly studied and understood. Interaction with electoral stakeholders with a view to exploring more interpretation on the scope of the legislations in place and obtaining further information on the political environment is desirable.  
In the Nigerian context, the 1999 Constitution as well as the Electoral Act 2002 and its subsequent amendments established the Independent National Electoral Commis-sion as the country’s election management body and specified its functions in organising and supervising all elections to various political positions. In short, it is charged with the responsibility of ensuring efficient and effective elections administration.  
Civic education and public enlightenment which are necessary for good voters turn out are in most cases responsibilities borne by the election management bodies. Side by side with the general education is the campaign rally and media coverage for which airtime should be equally shared to political parties. Likewise other forms of advertisement in newspapers should be uniformly apportioned.   The National Orientation Agency, Civil Societies, Association of Journalists and INEC as well as other stakeholders bear responsibilities for public enlightenment on the elections.
7.     Observers generally are expected on the election day to concentrate on the following requirements as provided in the Electoral Act and other administrative guidelines:-

a)    time of opening the polls and closure
b)    access of polling stations to voters
c)    layout of the stations with regard to guarantee of balloting secrecy
d)    distribution of election materials
e)    voting procedure
f)    marking of indelible ink on voter’s finger
g)    voter turnout
h)    underage voting, other offences and irregularities
i)    polling personnel and security agencies
j)    party agents and other representatives
k)    counting procedures and transparency
l)    number of registered voters in a station
m)    spoilt ballots
n)    collation and announcement of results

Sensitive issues such as the serialization of the ballot papers in order to safeguard the secrecy of balloting differ from country to country. The ballots can even carry the regional or provincial identities of the country’s administrative units which will facilitate the tracing of mistakes and eliminates fraud suspicion.  
The use of biometric verification machines carries the serial number of a voter as provided in the voters register. This speeds up the polling process and also checks fraud and rigging through double or multiple registrations. The machine has bar code, finger prints, serial number and photograph in verifying voter’s identity. A senseless machine programmed to do sensible things! It is however prone to technical hitches which can suddenly lead to breakdowns in the course of strained usage.  
With all the data and other useful information that can be collected by observers during the conduct of the elections, there may not be any insurmountable difficulty in reaching an informed and impartial decision on whether the election is conducted freely and fairly. It is important to reiterate the obligation to make an honest non partisan and factual assessment of the electoral process in accordance with international principles and standards. Observers however are not allowed to speculate on the outcome of the results let alone make public utterances capable of jeopardizing its authenticity. Factual, documented and honest assessment generate public confidence on the credibility and transparency of elections conducted by elections management bodies.  
11.     The interaction between polling officers, security agents and voters need to be highlighted. Skirmishes, intimidations and wrangling may ensue but the handling of such incidents requires tact and patience. Persuasion to do the right thing as provided in regulations and guidelines will yield positive results more than coercion. Civic education if successfully undertaken will surely take care of such problems. The people must be sensitized to appreciate that elections are conducted for their own good and their cooperation in ensuring its success and in consolidating and strengthening democracy is a task that should be accomplished.
Encouraging eligible voters to come out en masse on election day to make an informed and independent choice of their prospective leaders, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance states that “the will of the people shall be the basis of authority of government; this will shall be expressed in the periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedure”

Ambassador Sani, mni, wrote from Sharada Quarters, Kano