The European Union has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission, (EOM) to observe the general elections scheduled for February 25 and March 11, 2023.
This is in response to the invitation by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Following the invitation by INEC, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, has appointed Barry Andrews, a Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer for the EOM to Nigeria.
The EU previously deployed Election Observation Missions to Nigeria for the 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 elections.
The EU EOM will provide a comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on international and regional standards for democratic elections.
The Core Team of the EU EOM consists of 11 election experts who will arrive in Abuja during the first half of January.
Towards the end of January, 40 long-term observers will join the mission to be deployed across the country and follow the electoral campaign.
Thereafter, short-term team of observers from the EU diplomatic community as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland will reinforce the mission on election day.
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The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.
In line with the EU election observation methodology, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Abuja after the election day.
The final report, which will include a set of recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented after the conclusion of the entire electoral process.
