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UK lauds INEC over Osun Poll, seeks prosecution of vote buyers
The United Kingdom has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improvements recorded in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Osun State.
The UK government, through the British High Commission in Abuja, commented on the election on Monday in a statement titled ‘Statement on the Osun State Governorship Election’.
However, the UK also expressed concern over reported cases of vote-buying and urged the authorities to hold people involved accountable.
The statement noted that the results released by INEC for Saturday’s governorship matched results obtained through the civil society-led Parallel Vote Tabulation process.
The UK commended INEC, the security agencies, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders that participated in the election.
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Parts of the statement read, “The British High Commission congratulates the people of Osun State for their active, peaceful and democratic participation in the governorship election that was held on Saturday, 16 July 2022.
“We note that the results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are consistent with the results obtained through the civil society-led Parallel Vote Tabulation process.
“We commend INEC, the security agencies, civil society partners led by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and all stakeholders for their contribution to the success of the process.
“Our Commission which observed the election on Saturday was encouraged by the continuing improvements in the electoral process, following the governorship election in Ekiti State last month. The timely opening of polls, functionality of the BVAS devices for accreditation of voters and electronic transmission of results, accessibility provisions for people with disabilities and vulnerable voters and increased turnout of voters were all factors worth commending about the process.”
Frowning at reports of vote-buying, the UK government added, “We are concerned about reports from some locations of apparent vote-buying and hope that persons involved are held to account by the relevant authorities.”
The UK advised INEC to build on the progress recorded in the election and assured the Federal Government of continued support for the development of the electoral system.
