The Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, was largely peaceful, but controversies surrounding the collation of results have raised concerns, according to the Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa (CDD-West Africa).
Disruptions and Irregularities
The CDD-West Africa Election Analysis Centre (CDD-EAC) reported disruptions and irregularities during the collation process, including:
- Gunmen snatching a ballot box in Owan West
- Cancellation of voting due to violence in Ikoro Community, Ovia North East LGA
- Disruption of collation process in Ikpoba Okha and Oredo LGAs by party members
- Visit by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, to the State Collation Centre, sparking concerns of interference
Overvoting, Blurry Results
The CDD-EAC also noted instances of overvoting and blurry results in several polling units, including:
- Ozolua Primary School II, Abumwenre, Okokhua ward, Ovia North-East LGA
- Weppa Registration Area, Etsako East LGA
INEC’s Response
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been urged to reappraise its crisis communication strategy and address the discrepancies in result uploads on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
Low Voter Turnout
Despite high PVC collection rates, voter turnout was concerningly low, ranging from 17% in Edo South to 33% in Edo North.
CDD-West Africa’s Recommendations
The CDD-EAC called for:
- Transparent resolution of controversies surrounding collation of results
- Improved crisis communication by INEC
- Proper shelters for polling units instead of open spaces
- Speedy investigation and trial of vote-buying cases
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