As part of the European Union’s commitment to promoting inclusive political participation, EU-funded gender observers played a crucial role in monitoring the Edo elections. These observers, working under the EU’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme (EU-SDGN), focused on ensuring that the electoral process was inclusive and that women, youth, and marginalised groups had equal opportunities to participate. The gender observers were deployed across various polling units in Edo State to closely monitor the participation of female voters, candidates, and election officials. They assessed the accessibility of polling stations, the level of female representation, and any gender-specific challenges that could hinder fair participation. In collaboration with local stakeholders, including civil society organisations, these gender-focused observers gathered data and provided real-time reports on the conduct of the elections. Their findings are set to contribute to broader efforts aimed at improving the inclusion of women and marginalised groups in Nigeria’s democratic process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected. #EU4DemocracyNG #EU4GenderEquality #EdoDecides2024
