A report released by a Civil Society Organization, Space for Change, S4C on the just concluded 2023 general elections has blamed policy confusion, executive interference, judicial capture, and lack of internal democracy with the political parties as part of factors that limited citizens’ participation in the democratic process.
It also noted that the increasing deference given to the courts flows from growing recognition that judicial endorsements, not INEC’s declarations ultimately confers regime legitimacy. Additionally, it noted that the enforcement of strict penalties for electoral offenses has been weak and needs upscaling.
On executive interference, the report called for full independence of Electoral Institutions, which it considered as fundamental for holding credible elections.