Nigeria 2015 elections: Security of Observers and the Electorate

The build up to the 2015 general elections in Nigeria has been characterized by high expectations on the part of citizens eager to participate in free and fair elections, intense campaigning by the major political parties and efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that registered voters get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC). However, it has also been attended by many challenges. The campaign process has featured hate speech and pockets of violence, security challenges are still looming in parts of the country, and distribution of the PVCs and the effectiveness of the Card readers. Though the rescheduling of the elections on security grounds, from 14 February to 28 March and 11 April, arguably helped douse some of the tension by creating a window of opportunity to address some of these issues, there is still some apprehension and tension going into the elections.

CLEEN Foundation, in collaboration with the NOI Polls, and with funding support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) conducted the 2015 Election Perception Survey to assess the perception of Nigerians on election security as well as preparedness for the elections. The project surveyed 5000 Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as well as representing the 109 Senatorial Districts in Nigeria. This brief presents the findings of the survey and recommendations relating to security of observers and the electorate.

Findings

1. Perception of security and willingness to vote

·         An overwhelming majority of Nigerians (89%), across gender, age groups and geopolitical zones, hope to vote in the 2015 elections.

·         Majority of Nigerians (76%) do not think intimidation and violence would be an issue in the 2015 elections. This perception is highest amongst the older persons.  80% of those 60 years and above, while 72% of those 18-21)

·         The proportion of Nigerians who feel violence would be an issue in the 2015 elections (15%) is close to the proportion who stated that they were uncertain they would vote (11%).

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