Released on 17/12/18
This is the third edition of Niger Delta Watch 2019. This week we are pleased for the first time to include graphics illustrating some of the data the project has been able to gather. Incidents submitted by Election Observers in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta are in the first instance coded under one of five major election risk areas. These were identified as part of the design of a bespoke database for this project. Our analysis in future reports will look in more detail at the types of incidents these risk areas include, with more details made available on the project website. The risk areas are:
– Violence.
– Fraud and corruption.
– Political party and campaign misconduct.
– Electoral preparations, procedures and standards.
– Voter, civil society and other intimidation.
Note that the project will also report on good practice and other election support initiatives taking place around the Niger Delta.
One major observation from the data reported so far is that Delta State has seen the highest number of incidents reported overall. Ndokwa West Local Government Area (LGA), itself in Delta, has been the most eventful LGA.
Meanwhile Rivers State continues to lead on incidents that have the most graphic impact, this week including a gang clash reported to have lasted over three days on the fringes of Port Harcourt, which allegedly led to the deaths of seven people.
In Akwa Ibom, our reporting is a qualitative assessment based on a smaller number of Election Observers than elsewhere. This week they have highlighted the arrest of a blogger, apparently for publishing a story that was uncomplimentary to the previous Governor of the State. Destruction of campaign materials by political opponents continues to be a problem, while an incident involving the exchange of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for money was also reported.
On social media, one story in particular which has been discussed is concern around the refusal of the President to give his assent to the amended Electoral bill.
Read the report in full.
