Independence National Electoral Commission and 2019 General Elections in Nigeria: Election Monitoring and Observation

Abstract

Election monitoring and observation occupied a priority of place as both a statutory mandate and policy of the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC). In Nigeria the study examined and appraised the election monitoring and observation by both the domestic and international observers, and the lesions learnt vis-à-vis the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria. And considering the nature of this study, a single case ex post facto research design that was basically qualitative in character was employed. Therefore, primary data were analyzed thematically while the secondary data were sourced from publications. The data were subsequently analyzed using content analysis. Findings of the study revealed that despite the presence of the election and observation groups to oversee the 2019 General Elections, its essence to guarantee transparency, integrity and credibility in accordance with the universal best practices were not reflected in the elections’ results. The international press conference organized by the monitoring and observer groups at the end of each election, and the final election Reports submitted to the INEC and Federal Government indicated that diverse election irregularities and compromise were found not to reflect on the outcome of the 2019 General Elections, even the judicial election judgments. The implication of the above is that the Nigerian masses have not actually seen the democratic value of the election observation in the country as a result of electoral impunity or compromise by the election stakeholders. It was not, therefore, surprised the criticism, cynicisms, violence and protracted legal battles that followed the 2019 General Elections. In the light of the above, the study recommended the need for political will and sincerity by the stakeholders to faithfully comply with the implementation of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) to ensure universal best practices in subsequent elections in Nigeria. This shall smoothly facilitate election monitoring and observation in the future in country.