2011 Nigeria National Elections
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The delegation was concerned to hear about and see media reports of inflammatory rhetoric,
including such characterizations by political actors as these elections being "do or die
politics." This neither promotes a respectful and thoughtful process nor encourages
participation.
Political parties, candidates and supporters should refrain from using
inflammatory language in the run up to the elections.
The manipulation of youth to perpetrate violence on behalf of political actors continues to
be a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process. For the benefit of the April
elections, as well as the long term health of Nigerian democracy,
it is recommended that
those who engage in election-related violence in 2011 be prosecuted to the full extent
of the law. There should be no tolerance for those who engage in violence.
It was reported to the delegation that, in past elections, there has been a failure to adequately
pay polling staff and police, resulting in a circumstance that can make these individuals
susceptible to being compromised.
The appropriate authorities should ensure the
provision of sufficient and timely funding to enable these persons to fulfill their
electoral duties.
The delegation was advised that the "modified open ballot system" would be used for the
2011 elections in an attempt to reduce multiple voting and other fraud on Election Day.
This is a significant change from the system used in 2007.
It is recommended that there
be vigorous and extensive voter education between now and Election Day to
emphasize this change.
There exist strong barriers, including the use of violence and intimidation, to the full
participation of women in Nigeria's political life.
Political parties should ensure that
women have equal access to leadership opportunities, including the ability to run for
office at all levels of government. Political parties are encouraged to examine party
structures and procedures with the objective of removing all barriers against the
participation of women.
The delegation heard numerous concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability
of Nigeria's campaign financing system. The deficiencies and abuses of this system continue
to undercut the credibility of the electoral process.
The delegation strongly recommends
that, at a minimum, political parties and candidates fully adhere to current financial
disclosure rules. Further, for the longer-term confidence in the election system, the
delegation recommends the establishment of a national commission to develop a
comprehensive framework to strengthen the reporting of all expenditures related to
the activities of political parties and candidates and the prosecution of campaign
finance violations.
In addition to His Excellency John Kufuor, the delegation included Dan Fisk, IRI's Vice President
for Policy and Strategic Planning; Martin Kimani, Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center,
the Atlantic Council; Fernand Julien Gauze, Secretary General of the Convention of Ivorian Civil
Society; Charles Lasham, Electoral Consultant; and Frank Agyekum, Spokesperson for President
Kufuor. Supporting the delegation were Paul E. Fagan, IRI's Regional Director for Africa;
Mourtada Deme, IRI's Resident Country Director in Nigeria; Sarah Aldrich, IRI Assistant Program
Officer for Africa and the IRI in-country team.
Since 1999, IRI's Nigeria program has focused on enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.
With the 2011 elections approaching, IRI is working across the nation with a variety of stakeholders
