Barry Andrews, European Union’s Election Observation Mission’s chief to Nigeria, says the mission will only observe and not interfere in the February 25 and March 11 elections.

Mr Andrews disclosed this at a press briefing held on Monday in Abuja on the purpose of the mission in Nigeria.

He said the EU EOM mandate was to observe all aspects of the electoral process as invited by the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC).

Observers do not interfere in the electoral process and have no authority to change or correct any shortcomings.

“We will assess the extent to which the elections comply with the international and regional commitments for the polls as well as the laws of Nigeria,” Mr Andrews said. “The mission is independent in its findings from the Delegation of EU to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, EU member states, EU institutions and other international organisations.”

The diplomat stated that for the first time in Nigeria, the mission had a dedicated election technology analyst assessing the use of technologies, especially verifying voters and transmitting results.

“The EU EOM started its work nearly three weeks ago with the arrival of a core team of 11 experts with competencies in various aspects of elections. Since January 29, 40 long-term observers in teams of two follow the electoral process in all the states of Nigeria,” the EU chief explained.

”This is coupled with seven members of the European Parliament, together with some 40 locally recruited observers from 25 EU Member States.”

Mr Andrews said representatives of Switzerland, Norway, and Canada in Nigeria would join the mission shortly before the elections.

According to him, around 100 observers will observe the voting, counting, and tabulation procedures on February 25 and March 11.

“The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement two days after each election and will remain in Nigeria until the completion of the entire electoral process, including complaints, appeals processes and any possible second round of the presidential election,” said the EU official.

(NAN)