The “Diplomatic Watch” teams deployed by Austria, the European Union Delegation, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (U.S.) to monitor last Saturday’s elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states have expressed concern over reports of widespread violence and intimidation, some of which were witnessed in Kogi State.
A joint statement issued on Sunday by the embassies of the teams condemned reports of fatalities and cases of people missing, including Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff, during the elections.
The statement said: “Our thoughts are with all victims and their families. We encourage all stakeholders, in particular, political leaders, to call for calm and we encourage security agencies to investigate thoroughly and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We are also concerned by evident vote-buying and credible reports of ballot box snatching in both Bayelsa and Kogi.
“We commend the commitment and resilience of voters in both states, who came out to exercise their democratic rights.
“We express our sympathy for those affected by the violence, including ordinary voters; INEC officials; members of the NYSC; civil society; and the media. All should be able to carry out their fundamental role in the democratic process free from intimidation and harassment.
“As long-standing friends, we have been present at every major election in Nigeria since 1999. We remain committed to working impartially with Nigerian authorities, INEC in particular, as well as civil society to consolidate and deepen democracy.”
