By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa—A coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, accredited observer groups for the Bayelsa State governorship election, yesterday, declared the just concluded poll as transparent, free, fair and credible, saying it complied with the relevant electoral laws and global best practice.

Bayelsa Governorship election

The coalition, in a communiqué in Yenagoa and read by Dr. Gabriel Nwabu, President, Centre For Credible Leadership and Citizens, recommended the Bayelsa poll as a model for other elections in the country.

He said, “There was a remarkable improvement in the performance of the Card Readers in terms of authenticating Permanent Voters’ Cards and resolving issues associated with over voting, snatching of ballot boxes, and manipulation of election.

“We, as a coalition of INEC accredited observer groups hereby adjudge that although the process was characterized by massive violence, thuggery, ballot box snatching, it must be noted that INEC is an electoral management body and not a security/law enforcement agency. Consequently, the entire process as demonstrated by INEC was transparent, free fair and credible.”