Presidential Election: Human Rights Commission Demands Reschedule Of Elections For Those Disenfranchised

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has noted with regret the collosal disenfranchisement of Nigerians in Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi states.

Using reports from its 800 monitors deployed in various parts of the country, the commission noted that there were electoral violence, voters suppression, Vote-buying and inability of the security personnel to prevent violence.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, who made these disclosures in a preliminary statement on the presidential and National Assembly elections, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that Nigerians who were disenfranchised on election day are able to vote in the rescheduled elections.

According Ojukwu, “Disenfranchisement is a violation of the right to vote and could be a major trigger for election violence and impacts on the legitimacy and acceptability of election results.

“Everything therefore should be done  to ensure that Nigerians who trooped out in their millions to vote are afforded the opportunity to do so.”

He called for prompt uploads of results of elections into its election results portals to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process.

Further, he urged INEC to re-appraise its logistics strategy to ensure among other things that materials and personnel arrive on time during the governorship and houses of assembly election in March.

According to him, “Materials which are essential instruments for the exercise of the right to vote are available. INEC must ensure that voting materials are complete and enough for the huge size of electorates.

 “Revamp its feedback platforms including call lines to enable Nigerians reach INEC to directly report on situations on the electoral process.”

On security agencies, he called on the Nigerian Police Force and other law enforcement and security agencies to: “Ensure security of electoral materials and personnel in the rescheduled elections and the forthcoming gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.

“Arrest and prosecute all cases of political violence, including attacks and snatching of ballot boxes and materials.Manage and contain using human rights based approaches, case of post-election violence and ensure the protection of lives and properties as we enter into a critical period in the electoral process.”