Public statement  Posté le 18-01-2021 11:34, modifié le 18-01-2021 11:34 par Tournons la Page

The general elections of December 27, 2020 mark the first transition between two elected presidents in Niger. This crucial vote must be exemplary, to ensure that the person who comes to power is the one desired by the majority of Nigeriens. This is why the Observatory of the Electoral Process (OPELE), in partnership with TLP-Niger, sent 320 observers to ensure the transparency of the ballot. In addition, it set up an alert number where citizens could report any irregularities they witnessed.

Throughout the day, observers visited polling stations in all eight regions of Niger, and a technical team received and analyzed information sent in by citizens via the alert number.

The results showed that the double ballot was particularly popular with Nigeriens, especially women, who came out en masse to fulfill their civic right and duty. However, the credibility, transparency and regularity of the ballot were adversely affected by various forms of fraud and a lack of materials, which undoubtedly had a negative impact on the election results.

On the basis of the report, OPELE and TLP-Niger have referred to the courts and to the High Authority for the Fight against Corruption and Related Offences (HALCIA) cases of proven fraud and calls for fraud by certain individuals.

TLP-Niger joins OPELE in calling on the CENI to:

• Carry out training and awareness-raising sessions on electoral laws for its agents and the population, so that all citizens can vote;
• Ensure that all polling stations are equipped on time with all the electoral materials needed for voting and counting;
• Ensure that polling stations open and close at the times laid down by law;
• Ensure compliance with the Covid-19 pandemic health protocol by respecting barrier measures and making water and soap available in polling stations to protect election officials and voters;
• Call on its agents to raise awareness among political players, and to identify and bring before the competent courts any alleged perpetrators of violations of electoral law;
• Ensure the rigorous identification of voters on their arrival at the polling station, and ask agents to denounce any person attempting to vote with a false voter's card or a card that is not his or her own;
• Ensure public counting in polling stations, posting of results and delivery of copies to political party delegates;
• Ensure the security of the entire electoral process, including personnel and equipment.

In addition, TLP-Niger and OPELE call on political party leaders to:

• Sensitize their militants and members to the respect of electoral laws, in particular the prohibition of electoral propaganda outside the period provided for by law;
• Train their delegates on voting procedures.

Finally, we call on the citizens of Niger to stay active in this second round, to turn out en masse to vote, to protect their vote and to report any irregularities they may witness.

The coordinator

Maikoul Zodi

Download the OPELE election observation report by clicking here