CAN urges INEC to address concerns, says polls below expectations

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections were below the expectations of Nigerians.

CAN stated that the 2023 general election was marred by late arrival of election materials in some parts of the country, malfunction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, and failure to upload the election results on the server of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The association, while urging INEC to address the concerns raised over the just concluded election results, said the challenges in the electoral process led to a doubt on the electoral umpire’s commitment to deliver a transparent election.

It said this via a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Rev. Daniel Okoh.

The CAN President said: “Despite the many assurances given by INEC about its level of preparedness for the polls, it was observed in many quarters that last Saturday’s elections fell below the reasonable expectations of the people.

“Late arrival of election materials in parts of the country, malfunction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines, failure of the planned electronic transmission of results to the virtual results viewing portal amid other structural challenges in the electoral process have not only cast a shadow of doubt on INEC’s sincerity to deliver a transparent and fair general election this year, but also threaten the credibility of the entire system.

“It is, therefore, important that explanation be given to Nigerians as to why the preventable lapses were not addressed in a timely manner.

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“INEC must rise to the occasion in the face of this precarious situation and do everything possible to win back the slipping confidence of the people in the electoral system, especially as the country prepares for the governorship and state legislative polls in 11 days time.”

Okoh further urged political parties, candidates, supporters, and the general public to desist from any action that could lead to violence in the country, calling on the presidential candidates to abide by the Peace Accord they signed before the elections.

“We remind them that this is the only country we have, and we must do everything to keep it safe, united and peaceful.

“In the same breath, we encourage all political actors, elder statesmen, eminent personalities in our society as well as religious and traditional leaders to make proactive interventions to calm any tensions and nip signs of violence in the bud.

“We equally ask the Independent National Electoral Commission to do all within its scope of authority to ensure that the will of the people as expressed through the ballots during last Saturday’s presidential and federal legislative elections count.

“Ideally, when people vote, the votes should be counted and allowed to reflect in the result the electoral umpire will announce.

“Anything short of that, remains an aberration in any democratic context and contest,” he added.

The CAN President, therefore, commended the electorate for participating in the 2023 general election.

The Star