By Patrick Obia
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the Nigeria 2023 generation elections has paid a visit to the management of CrossRiverWatch, calling for synergy in the forthcoming elections.
The visit led by the EU EOM Long Term Observers – Diana Ferrari and Robert Hall, covering Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, having inquired about the practice of journalism in Cross River State, said the Mission will keep in touch with CrossRiverWatch for proper monitoring of the elections in Cross River.
The team lauded the doggedness of the community media outfit, revealing that, it is the first media organization the Mission is visiting in Cross River.
On his part, the Managing Editor of CrossRiverWatch, Comr. Archibong Jeremiah, thanked the team for recognizing the good works his platform does, the visit as well as the partnership.
Archibong said the organization is ready to synergize with the European Union during and after the forthcoming general elections.
It would be recalled that, Barry Andrews, the Chief Observer on 30 January 2023 in a press conference in Abuja launched the 7th European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria.
Barry urged authorities, candidates, and political parties in Nigeria to ensure that the upcoming general elections are peaceful.
“We encourage the authorities, candidates, and political parties to commit to a peaceful conduct before, during, and after election day. Cooperation between all institutions and parties participating in the elections is crucial. The presence of a level playing field, freedom of expression, assembly and association, respect for human rights, and a neutral and independent election body at all levels are all essential for democratic elections,” he sued.
During his four-day visit to Nigeria, the Chief Observer met with a wide range of interlocutors including State authorities, the Independent National Electoral Commission, candidates, members of the judiciary, media, citizen observers as well as other civil society representatives to discuss the ongoing electoral process.
He noted that the Electoral Act 2022 has introduced new measures aimed at enhancing various aspects of the conduct of elections and as part of its overall analysis, the EU EOM will closely follow its implementation.
It will be the first time in Nigeria, the mission has a dedicated Election Technology Analyst who is assessing the use of technologies, especially, the verification of voters and the transmission of results.
Also, a Media Analyst and a Social Media Analyst are assessing the role of the traditional media, as well as social media and digital communication during the process.