INEC committed to strengthening electoral processes in West Africa – Yakubu
INEC committed to strengthening electoral processes in West Africa – Yakubu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) through sharing technical assistance and knowledge sharing to enhance democratic processes
across the West African sub-region.
A statement on Wednesday by the Director of Publicity, Information and Voter Education, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, said the commitment was made when INEC hosted high-ranking electoral officials from Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation included Birame Sene, Direction General des Elections (DGE), Senegal, Felisberta Moura Vaz, Deputy Executive Secretary, COMISSÃO NACIONAL DE ELEIÇÕES (CNE), Guinea Bissau,
Zainab Umu Moseray, Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and Isaac Samuel Zahn, Data Center Director, National Elections Commission (NEC), Liberia.
They were received by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, alongside National Commissioners, in a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening electoral cooperation across the region.
Welcoming the delegates, Prof. Yakubu emphasised Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to fostering credible elections beyond its borders.
Reflecting on past collaborations with electoral bodies from the visiting nations, he stated, “Our doors remain open to our brothers and sisters across the region. Strengthening electoral integrity is a collective effort, and Nigeria is always ready to share its experiences and expertise.”
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The INEC Chairman stressed that electoral cooperation remained vital for democratic consolidation within the ECOWAS sub-region.
The visiting officials expressed their appreciation for INEC’s role in advancing electoral processes in West Africa.
They acknowledged Nigeria’s contributions through capacity-building initiatives and advisory support, which have positively impacted electoral administration in their respective countries. A delegate from Liberia commended INEC’s guidance, stating, “The expertise shared by INEC has been invaluable to our electoral reforms.” This sentiment was echoed by representatives from the other nations.
The visit culminated in a symbolic exchange, as INEC presented plaques of honour to the delegates along with copies of its comprehensive report on Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and the stakeholders’ review document.
