The opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily those of the Society of Missionaries of Africa or of AFJN.
Election
Observation remarks made by three Missionaries of Africa
Three members of the Missionaries of Africa - who form a Justice and Peace
and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) team in Ibadan, namely Frs. James
Ngahy, Felix Kamunenge and Jean C. Kamango actively took part in the just-ended
2007 General Election in Nigeria as “foreign observers”. Strategically,
we were distributed in three different polling zones in view of getting a
balanced feel of the election. Apart from the worksheets provided by Justice,
Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) office of the Archdiocese of Ibadan,
we went there with our eyes and ears opened, but mouths closed.
Our General observations[1]
1) In all the three polling zones where we were sent by JDPC, Ibadan, Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived exceptionally late.
We even wondered whether they were prepared to execute that noble exercise
of conducting the election. Some appeared disinterested and somehow resigned.
On the other hand, we, the Missionaries of Africa (M. Afr.) observers together
with the police officials, were the first to arrive at the polling stations.
On our arrival, these places were completely deserted as if nothing was going
to happen. Few hours later, the first voters showed up, only to find that
no official from INEC was present.
2)
The turnout of the number of electorates was not only very low, but also unimaginably
below par. We failed to reconcile, for instance, 105 casted their votes against
500 registered electorates in a particular station. Our question was: did
voters intentionally shy away from voting? If so why? There was a feeling
that maybe voters’ reluctance to vote was due to frustrations, knowing
already, through speculations and rumours, who would be future office bearers.
This was already hinted at during our “preparation stage” in the
parish. Moreover, an inquisitive mind cannot fail to question: was the later
outcome of the results a confirmation of peoples’ resignation?
3)
Though the counting of votes was done in public – with the presence of
all stakeholders - still its outcome, its credibility and its reflection of
the voters will and its truthfulness is questionable. Was it a true reflection
of the opinion of the voters, or were there loopholes for falsehood?
4)
It was witnessed in one zone of some military officials hijacking ballot boxes
with the use of guns. Besides, there were also reports in some zones of some
fanatics of political parties intimidating the voters.
5)
In two polling stations, there were reports and cases of names of electorates
not appearing in the voter’s register. In other cases, some names were
found in a far away polling station. For example if one registered to vote
in point A, her name appears, if any, in point B (outside one’s area
of residence). Some questions were unanswered - why such confusions? Was it
an intentional strategy or just technical mistakes?
What we have highlighted here are some of our findings within the realm of
issues of Justice and peace. Surely any intelligible observer – committed
to his work - could not fail, but to ask questions: Are these flaws deliberate
or hidden agenda and planned strategies to silence the masses or a deprive
on the right of franchise?
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[1] This consensus was
reached after compiling the individual findings of the three of us
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