2011 Nigeria National Elections
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Appendix C: IRI Preliminary Statement on Nigeria's National Elections,
Released April 18, 2011
Nigerian Election Major Step Forward
April 18, 2011
Abuja, Nigeria
– IRI found that the April 16, 2011 presidential election was a major step forward
in advancing Nigeria's democracy. Under the capable leadership of Attahiru Jega, chairman of the
Independent National Election Commission (INEC), the election overall was transparent and
orderly, allowing Nigerians the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Chairman Jega and his
team have made great strides in improving the quality of Nigerian elections and deserve credit for
what has been achieved in the short eight months since they were appointed.
At more than 340 polling stations where IRI observed, delegates were particularly impressed by the
Nigerian people's desire for democracy coupled with their determination to vote. Voters came early,
calmly stood in line for hours to be accredited and then vote and in many cases remained in place to
observe the count. The National Youth Service Corps members, who administered the election, are
to be especially commended for their dedication and hard work.
Also, worthy of note was the fact that between the April 9 national assembly elections and the
presidential election, INEC addressed a number of deficiencies in the election process.
Many of Nigeria's political parties have been active participants in the electoral process, signing the
Party Code of Conduct and demonstrating their willingness to accept results of the April 9 national
assembly elections. IRI hopes the parties will continue to accept election results and encourages
them to be a positive part of the process.
Civil society was also an active participant in the electoral process and played a significant role by
conducting voter education campaigns and serving as domestic observers during the national
assembly and presidential elections. Strengthening the role of civil society organizations and
ensuring they have the resources to conduct voter education will improve future Nigerian elections.
IRI delegates also noted the role women played in the national assembly and presidential elections.
Women served as poll workers, provided security and voted in large numbers in the urban centers.
However, the extent to which women are fully participating in the political process needs to be
addressed.
IRI's delegation recognizes that all elections are a process of pre-election environment and pre-
election administration, Election Day voting, vote counting, post-election adjudication and
acceptance of legitimate results. Even though IRI's delegation is not yet able to assess the
acceptance of the results, the overall conclusion is that in at least four areas this election was
different from the previous three national elections – particularly from the election in 2007 where
IRI observed and reported serious electoral fraud and disenfranchisement of the voters. The areas
where IRI observed the most improvements are:
The overall integrity of the electoral process;
