A coalition of accredited domestic and international election observers has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency bye-election held on Aug.16.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano on Tuesday, Zubair Ladan, Convener of the Coalition and Project Coordinator of Society Rights Project, said the exercise was generally free, fair and credible.
He said the coalition deployed its teams across polling units, collation centres and strategic locations to monitor the process, adding that their findings indicated substantial compliance with electoral guidelines.
According to him, electoral materials arrived on time in most polling units, while accreditation, voting, counting and collation were conducted transparently.
“The election was largely peaceful. Security agencies discharged their duties with neutrality and fairness, which gave voters confidence to exercise their franchise without intimidation,” he said.
Ladan noted that despite being a bye-election, there was impressive voter turnout and enthusiasm from the electorate in Shanono and Bagwai, describing the conduct of voters as orderly and determined.
He added that results announced by INEC reflected the will of the people, as counting was carried out in the presence of party agents, observers and voters, with results openly displayed.
The coalition congratulated the winning party and its candidate, describing the outcome as a reflection of the popular mandate freely given by the people of Shanono/Bagwai.
“We commend INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations, political parties and above all, the good people of Shanono and Bagwai for their peaceful conduct and commitment to democracy,” Ladan said.
The coalition also urged any aggrieved political party or candidate to channel their grievances through the courts, in line with democratic practice.
The coalition comprised: Women Fest for Better Life Living Initiatives; Center for Grassroot Development and Crime Prevention; Organization of Justice for Equity Sustenance;
Others are Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative; Likeminds Support for Good Governance in Africa; Society for the Protection of Human Rights; and Society Rights Project.