The pre-election observation of YIAGA AFRICAs Watching The Vote has in a series of four reports highlighted major trends in the pre-election phase ranging from the PVC collection rate, to the increase in the preparatory activities of INEC and the increase in political party campaigns nationally, the reports on verbal and physical violence especially associated with political rallies, to the persistent report of hate speech and purchase of the permanent voters card (PVC). As projected, the 2019 presidential election will be keenly contested especially between the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This is also confirmed by the WTV Pre-election findings showing the dominance of the APC and the PDP in the political campaigns.
For the 2019 Elections, the pre-election observation commenced from the 9th of November, 2018 and will last until the week of the Presidential Election in February 2019 with a total of 822 Long Term Observers (LTOs). This report is the fourth of six reports to be issued by the organization covering the period of January 11th to 24th 2019, and it is based on reports received from all the LTOs reporting from the 774 Local Government Areas (LGA) across the country. In this report, we present findings on the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voter education and information activities, political campaign activities, inclusion of women, persons living with disabilities (PWDs) and youths, as well as issues relating to pre election violence.
