REPORT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE GENERAL ELECTIONS 2019 COALITION OF DOMESTIC OBSERVERS CROSS RIVERS STATE

 We the coalition of domestic observers of cross rivers state, a collections of coordinators and various observers groups having keenly observe the process and outcome of the 2019 general elections in Cross River State, both in the rural and urban centers  of the state have the following to say:
We wish to congratulate the independence national electoral commission, for the successful conduct of the elections, though various challenges emerged during the Presidential/National Assembly elections, they were able to, within the short time to put every structure on ground to ensure the proper and successful conduct of the governorship/state assembly elections. Over here in cross rivers state materials were distributed on time and the various INEC/Adhoc staff were mobilized on time, and voting started on schedule.
The resident electoral commissioner Dr B. Frankland, maintained his neutrality all through the electoral process and ensured that everything in accordance to the electoral guidelines.

We also commend the governor and the chief security officer of Cross River State, His Excellency Prof. Ben Ayade, who through being a candidate in the just concluded gubernatorial elections provided adequate security, and ensured a level playing ground for both the other candidates and the electorates, to have a sense of confidence, knowing that their votes will count. We wish to at this junction congratulate His Excellency on his victory at the polls

We wish to appreciate the peace loving people of Cross River State, who, knowing that election is not war, conducted themselves in a law-abiding manner, and came out en-mars to exercise their franchise. Their patience at the polling units, waiting in long queues to ensure that they cast their votes peacefully is highly commendable.
Though there were some who tried to cause unrest, by attempting to snatch electoral materials, intimidates electorates at the polling units etc, their attempts were met with a strong resistance by the security agencies and the electorates, who were committed to their civil responsibility.

The efforts of INEC/Adhoc staff and elections observers cannot be overemphasized. Some got stuck in the boat while trying to convey electoral material along the waterways to riverine areas of the states, some had their efforts sabotaged by the various speed boats operators in places like Bakasi, after which Nigerian Navy had to come to perform their duties. This led to late conduct of elections in those areas.

Election violence: There was a handful of violence recorded in some areas of the state, such as Etung, Ikom, Obubra and Boki during the presidential elections, but the security agencies were able to contain the situation, thereby leading to a more peaceful gubernatorial elections.


Inadequate training of Adhoc staff and voters education: we observed in some polling units that some INEC/Adhoc staff were not properly trained. Some had problem of not knowing how to calculate results, improper handling of electoral material, etc in their various polling units. Voters education were also very poor, voters kept repeating the same mistakes they were corrected for.


RECOMMENDATIONS
    We wish to give the following recommendations, which we feel will (if consider) help in policy making in order to have better elections.
 For INEC to recruit more matured and well trained Adhoc staffs. If possible work with CSO`s in the state to get Adhoc staffs well trained.
 INEC should also engage more security agencies on workshops, it will help them define their roles, because most of them did not really know what to do in the field.
 Logistic and time consciousness should be given priority
Voters education must also be given serious attention if our democracy must move forward.

 FOR THE STATE AND ITS AGENCIES
 To reduce militant presence in our elections.
 More voters education is needed, to enable citizens know that voting is a civic right, this will help deepen our democratic values, which will in turn reduce the issue of vote buying.
 Security agents should be given proper training, so that they don’t get involved in politics, but rather focus on election duties.

                               FOR POLITICIANS
Politics is not a war, they must know that after election there is a life to Live
Political agents must also undergo proper training process. To understand their roles in the field.

                                     CONCLUSION
    We commend and appreciate the Independent Electoral Commission of Cross River State for it credibility in conducting a free and fair election and by extension the government of cross rivers state for the privileged giving to us to serve as domestic observers groups in the 2019 General Election. We hope both INEC and the Government will consider our suggestions and recommendations in subsequent Elections in Nigeria.

                         Receive our warm Regard.
                                                                 LEADER OF THE COALITION
                                                                 Innuabeye Emmanuel, Samuel A.
                                                                 07031260027

                                                                 SECRETARY
 Erriom Samuel
                                                                 07031678715
                                                             
                                                                 PUBLICITY/ORGANISING SECRETARY
 Eteng Yemi
                                                                 08039167837