The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Saturday’s resheduled 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Nigeria has warned Nigerians on the use of the social media to spread misinformation and hate speech during elections stressing that the country should address the matter forthwith.
The mission observed that the use of hateful language against candidates and groups was rampant during the campaigns and called on Nigerians and other stakeholders to act responsibly and refrain from using the social media to spread hate speech.
The Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission, Hallemariam Desalegn, gave this advice on Monday, while presenting a preliminary statement on election even as he stated that despite the challenges of reported cases of violence and deaths, Nigerians exhibited their strong desire to vote.
The Mission also observed that there was a large voter turnout in an atmosphere generally regarded as peaceful adding that the Presidential and National Assembly elections were critical for deepening and consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.
The Mission also observed that the political space has significantly broadened, as evidenced by the high number of registered voters, political parties and candidates who took part in the elections.
“Despite some reports of election-related violence, deaths and intimidation, the overall political climate remained largely peaceful and conducive for the conduct of democratic elections,” the mission said.
It also urged parties to channel electoral complaints through the legal process and accept the verdict of the people.
