INEC Releases Comprehensive Report on 2023 General Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made public the much-awaited report on the 2023 general elections, according to a statement by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The report's release comes nearly a year after the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, addressing concerns raised by some Nigerians regarding the delayed uploading of presidential election results to the INEC result viewing portal.
Olumekun clarified that the report underwent thorough review and received approval for publication during the commission's weekly meeting held on Thursday. He emphasized that the release of the report aligns with INEC's tradition across the past four electoral cycles and underscores its commitment to transparency.
Describing the report as a "comprehensive 526-page document," structured into 13 chapters and enriched with 60 tables, 14 boxes, and 10 graphs, Olumekun highlighted its detailed analysis of key election processes, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
Providing insights into the election's outcomes, Olumekun noted the significant diversity in party representation, with multiple political parties securing victories in gubernatorial races, senatorial seats, federal constituencies, and state legislatures. This broadened political representation signifies a notable shift in Nigeria's political landscape.
The report also acknowledges the role of technological advancements, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, in enhancing electoral integrity and curbing fraud. Additionally, it addresses concerns related to the INEC Result Viewing portal, elucidating technical challenges encountered during the uploading of polling unit results for the presidential election.
Other key aspects covered in the report include logistics, security arrangements, staff recruitment and training, inclusivity measures, and electoral framework.
Olumekun affirmed the commission's openness to receiving feedback, emphasizing its importance in informing future electoral reforms and enhancements. The release of the report marks a significant step towards fostering accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in Nigeria's electoral processes.
