On Tuesday, the European Observation Mission Nigeria advised Nigerians to ensure international best practices during the 2023 general elections.

A team of two EU Longer Team Observers, Marko Logar and Agnieszka Gorna, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Lagos office of the News Agency of Nigeria.

The EU observers are in charge of the 2023 general elections observation in Lagos.

Mr Logar said the team had been observing election campaigns and preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to him, the team has also been meeting critical stakeholders such as civil society organisations, the judiciary and the media. 

Mr Logar said that the mission’s observations, as well as its final report on the elections, would be presented by its chief observer.

“We are meeting people, gathering information, analysing them and providing information,” he said.

Ms Gorna added, “We are not supporting any political party. We ask people what their thoughts are. We will be open to all comments and criticisms. We will like to be visible and transparent. We have nothing to hide.”

Ms Gorna explained that the team expected the elections to be conducted in line with international best practices.

“Everything should be according to the law, the Electoral Law, following international practices,” she urged. 

The EU observer stressed the mission was doing its best to fact-check information pushed out on social media.

“We need to be very careful about misinformation and disinformation,” she stressed.

According to her, the EU has 20 observers in Nigeria for the February 25 and March 11 elections.

(NAN)