Interim
Statement On The 2012 Ondo State Gubernatorial Election
This
is an interim statement released by Nigerian Civil Society Election Situation
Room on the ongoing gubernatorial election in Ondo state. The gubernatorial
election has progressed peacefully, and the people of Ondo State have so far
conducted themselves in an orderly manner. Reports we are receiving from our
network of observers throughout Ondo State indicate that election officials and
security agents were deployed in sufficient numbers in most polling units, and
that these officials have conducted themselves in a professional and
commendable manner.
Distribution
of materials and commencement of accreditation have been reportedly timely in
most areas, although some centres experienced delays in commencement of
accreditation and voting. There were no reports of large-scale
disenfranchisement of voters following the omission of their names in the
voters register.
The
Nigerian Civil Society Election Situation Room received reports that some
polling units were overcrowded with as much as over one thousand voters, making
it difficult for the election officials posted to the units to control the
voters and efficiently manage the election. We were also informed by observers
that late redeployment of Electoral Officers constituted a major challenge due
to the inability of some of the redeployed officers to locate and arrive at
their new postings on time. The late arrival of these officials delayed the
commencement of accreditation in some areas. In some polling units, ballot
papers were reportedly supplied in more or less quantity than the number of
registered voters. We fear that this could pose challenges during the voting
and collation processes.
As the election progresses, we expect that INEC will carry out the process in a transparent and forthright manner, and that the voters, election officials, party agents and security agents will continue to conduct themselves in peaceful manner. The Nigerian Civil Society Election Situation Room will issue a final statement on the Ondo gubernatorial election subsequently.
Nigeria Civil Society Election Situation Room
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