TMG Commends INEC over Osun Election: Mandate Protection Key

• TMG commends INEC for relatively seamless conduct of Osun election
• Judiciary urged to protect genuine mandates freely given by the people
• Vote buying, voter intimidation remain significant challenges to democracy in Nigeria

The recent Osun state election has set a new benchmark for electoral processes in Nigeria, showcasing significant improvements over previous polls. The relatively seamless conduct of the election, particularly the absence of major technical glitches and real-time uploading of polling-unit results on the INEC Result Viewing Portal, has earned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commendation from the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG). This achievement demonstrates that INEC can provide a more transparent and credible electoral process when its systems and procedures function as intended. However, TMG also emphasized the need for Nigerians to continue demanding greater transparency, accountability, and professionalism from INEC, even in the face of improvements.

The Transition Monitoring Group has called on the judiciary to protect genuine mandates freely given by the people, ensuring that judicial processes do not truncate the legitimate choice of voters. This appeal is particularly relevant in cases where electoral disputes may arise, and it highlights the importance of the judiciary's role in upholding the sanctity of the ballot. TMG urged the courts to ensure that electoral litigation strengthens rather than undermines the electoral process, and does not become an avenue for overturning the genuine will of the electorate through technicalities or procedural manipulation. The group also emphasized the need for political actors to accept electoral outcomes and pursue legitimate grievances through established legal channels.

Despite improvements in the electoral process, vote buying, voter intimidation, thuggery, and other forms of electoral manipulation remain significant challenges to democracy in Nigeria. TMG noted that these practices are largely driven by politicians and their agents, and emphasized the need for political actors who engage in such activities to be held accountable rather than shifting responsibility entirely to the electoral commission. The group also commended Osun voters for their resilience, peaceful participation, and determination to exercise their democratic rights despite reported incidents of vote buying and other attempts to suppress voters.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential implications of TMG's call on the judiciary to protect genuine mandates, particularly in cases where electoral disputes may arise.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Nigeria