Election Monitoring Group, Yiaga Africa has said the result of Saturday’s election in Edo State announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reflects the wishes of the people.
The position of the election observer group was contained in a preliminary report; the details of which was read to journalists in Benin on Sunday.
Yiaga Africa said the election result that gave victory to the incumbent Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Godwin Obaseki was not only transparent but also consistent with its ‘WatchingTheVote’ Result Estimate as monitored and collated by over 240 observers across the 18 LGAs of Edo State.
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The group therefore enjoined all stakeholders to accept the outcome of the election and have confidence that it reflected the will of the people.
Yiaga Africa said INEC official results for turnout and rejected ballots were also consistent with its WTV estimate.
The group however observed few violent disruption and harassment of election observers and voters.
It reported incidents of sporadic shooting which led to the suspension of election in Idumwongo polling unit 5 in Orhionmwon LGA.
The group also reported shooting in parts of Etsako West which resulted in the death of one citizen; cases of ballot snatching, vote buying; all of which it said were ancipated but not sufficient to tarnish the integrity of the exercise and eventual result.
Yiaga Africa praised INEC’s overall performance; stressing that the election in Edo State is a remarkable improvement from the elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
