Ekiti Election: EU, CSOs Unveil Election Monitoring Hub

The European Union and a coalition of civil society organisations have launched a Joint Election Observation Hub to provide real-time monitoring of the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening electoral transparency, enhancing public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring the dissemination of credible information throughout the election period.

According to a statement issued by the EU delegation on Thursday, the project is being implemented under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme.

The coalition behind the initiative comprises Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre, Centre for Media and Society, TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre and Nigerian Women Trust Fund.

The organisations disclosed that accredited observers would be deployed across all local government areas of Ekiti State to monitor the conduct of the election and provide evidence-based reports on developments before, during and after voting.

The Joint Election Observation Hub will serve as a central platform for receiving, verifying and analysing reports submitted by observers stationed at polling units throughout the state.

According to the coalition, observers will focus on key aspects of the electoral process, including the opening of polling units, voter accreditation, voting procedures, vote counting, results collation, media coverage and compliance with electoral guidelines.

The groups added that special attention would also be given to the participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusiveness and equal access to the electoral process.

“Verified information from the field will be analysed in real time and shared through periodic public updates to promote transparency, counter misinformation, strengthen public confidence and encourage peaceful participation before, during and after the election,” the coalition stated.

Speaking on behalf of the implementing partners, the organisations said the initiative demonstrates the ability of Nigerian civil society groups to collaborate in support of democratic development.

“The Joint Election Observation Hub reflects the strength of Nigerian civil society working together in the public interest,” the statement said.

The coalition stressed that credible elections require the active participation of citizens and the collective commitment of electoral institutions, security agencies, political actors, the media and civil society to uphold democratic principles and ensure a peaceful electoral process.