EU, Nigerian CSOs launch election monitoring hub for Ekiti polls

The European Union, in collaboration with a coalition of Nigerian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has launched a Joint Election Observation Hub to monitor the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. This initiative, part of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) program, aims to bolster electoral transparency and enhance public trust in the democratic process.

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Verified information from the field will be analysed in real time and shared through periodic public updates to promote transparency, counter misinformation, strengthen public confidence and encourage peaceful participation before, during and after the election.

Accredited observers will be deployed across all local government areas in Ekiti State. They will provide real-time, verified, and evidence-based reports throughout the electoral cycle. The coalition includes prominent organizations such as Yiaga Africa, the International Press Centre, the Centre for Media and Society, TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre, and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund.

The Joint Election Observation Hub will function as a central platform for receiving, verifying, and analyzing data from observers stationed at polling units. Key areas of monitoring include the opening of polls, voter accreditation, the voting process, vote counting, and the collation of results. Media coverage and adherence to electoral guidelines will also be scrutinized.

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The Joint Election Observation Hub reflects the strength of Nigerian civil society working together in the public interest.

Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring the inclusivity of the election, with particular attention paid to the participation of women, young people, and persons with disabilities. The organizations stated that verified information will be shared through periodic public updates to counter misinformation, promote transparency, and encourage peaceful participation before, during, and after the election. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of Nigerian civil society to safeguarding democracy.

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By bringing together our expertise, nationwide networks and election observation efforts, we are able to provide timely, credible and evidence-based information that strengthens transparency, supports peaceful participation and reinforces public confidence in the electoral process.