The ECOWAS Observer Mission (EOM), headed by former President of Ghana, John Kuffour, has declared Saturday, March 28 Presidential election acceptable, free and transparent.

Kuffour who made the claim in Abuja on Sunday, March 29, 2015, lauded the commitment exhibited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders on the electoral process.

The EOM, an election-monitorian body, is part of the ECOWAS sustained efforts to support the consolidation of democracy and good governance in West Africa.

He observed that:

“Security agents were present at most of the polling stations and on patrols in and around the cities as peaceful atmosphere prevailed in most parts of the country.

“The process of counting at the polling stations and the subsequent collations at designated centres were successful and in accordance with the Electoral Act.

“Some of the challenges the mission observed during the exercise included the late arrival of INEC officials in many polling stations and malfunctioning of Card Readers across the country.

“Cases of attempt to snatch ballot papers were reported in some polling stations leading to instances of uproar, shootings and sporadic violence in the affected polling stations.

“Despite efforts by the relevant agencies to secure the electoral exercise, explosions were also recorded in some parts of the country,” the ECOWAS Observer Mission (EOM) head, John Kuffour said.

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