The Chief Observer of the European
Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria, Santiago Fisas, has
commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for addressing
the problems of the card readers which marred the March 28 presidential
and National Assembly elections.

While speaking with our correspondent at Olosa Street, Victoria
Island, Lagos, Fisas said reports he received across Lagos showed that
the accreditation exercise was smooth.

Fisas, who is also a member of the European Parliament, said, “So far
we have not received news of any problems. Not many people have come
out to vote here in Victoria Island but the machines are working better
than they did during the presidential election.

“The day is still very long and we will keep following the process
including the collation which is a very important process. I urge the
police and INEC to be neutral.

“We will give our recommendations after the elections and it is up to Nigeria to accept or not.”

Fisas also called for a constitutional review to give INEC more
powers as well as the setting up of special courts to address election
matters.

Fisas said governorship elections were just as important as
presidential elections because governors made more direct impact on the
lives of people than presidents worldwide.

The observer noted that generally, the voter turnout was not as high
as the presidential but added that it would be too soon to conclude
since voting has not yet been concluded.