The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has lauded efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the just concluded Osun governorship election held over the weekend.
The body also commended the media and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful and non-violent election and the people of the state for an inclusive and participatory election.
In a statement titled “Post Election Statement on the Gubernatorial Election in Osun State, July 2022” signed by its Chairman, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, TMG praised INEC for complying with the provisions of the Electoral Act, especially with regards to improving inclusivity by providing assistance technology for persons with disabilities, and for efficient election logistics arrangement which saw early deployment of officials and materials to the polling units across the state of Osun.
The election monitoring group pointed out that the off-season election had generated much interest and high expectations among citizens, as it was expected to reflect citizens’ expectations towards the General Election in 2023, especially with regards to the reforms instituted by the new Electoral Act, 2022 as amended.
The body, which observed the electioneering process expressed satisfaction with the high level of voters’ mobilisation activities by the media and civil society groups.
It noted voters’ availability to exercise their franchise in the election debates, thereby contributing to ensure critical interactions with citizens as part of entrenching issue-based campaigns.
On vote buying ,TMG advised voters to always resist the temptation to sell their future and good governance as vote buying doesn’t provide good governance ,transparent and accountable leadership.
The group, however, urged security operatives to conduct themselves in the highest decorum to ensure the trust of the electorates during subsequent elections.
