The EU urges FG to advance timely electoral reforms …

The electoral follow-up mission of the European Union (EFM) invited the Nigerian authorities to advance timely electoral reforms.

The head of the EU mission of the EU, Barry Andrews, made the call during a press conference on Friday in Abuja.

Andrews said that reform progress would help to restore public trust and facilitate credible and inclusive elections in 2027.

According to him, the democratic resilience of the country depends on the reforms in which citizens can believe.

He praised the legislative momentum seen in the electoral act (amendment) 2025 bill and in the current constitutional revision process, but stressed that time was exhausting.

“We welcome the legislative momentum seen in the electoral act (amendment) 2025 bill and in the process of constitutional revision in progress, however, time is quickly exhausted.

“Unless these reforms end within the next few months, there is the risk of repeating the serious deficiencies of 2023.

“We encourage everything
political actors to grasp
The inclusiveness and credibility of the 2027 electoral momentum to provide reforms capable of safeguarding transparency.

“The EU EU in 2023 provided 23 recommendations including the strengthening of the independent National Electoral Commission (INC), guaranteeing a transparent transmission system and safeguarding the freedom of
expression.

“Recommendations also include tackling impunity for electoral crimes, the elimination of legal ambiguity and the promotion of a significant representation of women,” said Andrews.

According to him, the mission is politically neutral, not partisan and independent in his discoveries and recommendations and also respects the sovereignty of the host country.

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He said the EFM had met the interested parties,
including the Incen, members of the National Assembly, Political Party, Civil Society, Media
Institutions and professionals and development partners.

“We are encouraged by constructive cooperation between civil society organizations and
Members of the legislator, in particular in modeling the proposals for a stronger legal framework.

“This inclusive commitment is an important sign of commitment to reforms that can strengthen credibility and encourage greater public trust in the electoral process.

“The EFM found that while two recommendations have been partially implemented, one fully implemented, eight are underway, three are too early to determine and nine have not been implemented,” he said.

The chief of the mission observed that the trust of the public in the Inc had remained low, despite the efforts and progress achieved.

He underlined that the restoration of trust in the electoral process would require a process of appointment based on the merit and non -partisan of his new president.

According to the EU official, a non -partisan appointment will send a powerful sign of commitment to the credible elections.

He supported a robust system for the publication in real time of electoral units and collection results, allowing citizens to verify both
Paper and electronic record.

(Nan)

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