The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has described the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections as free, fair and transparent.
It said the infractions on citizens’ right to vote, especially vulnerable persons, were minimal.
The Commissioner, Mr Joseph A. Whittal, said this on Thursday as part of the International Human Rights Day celebration, marked annually.
This was from a report conducted by CHRAJ at places described as election hotspots.
“The main objective for undertaking the exercise is to enhance inclusiveness in the promotion and protection of citizens’ right to vote with particular focus on groups or persons in vulnerable situations,” he said.
The CHRAJ Boss said almost all the polling centres observed by the Commission provided special assistance to the elderly, pregnant, persons carrying babies and Persons with Disability to vote without having to wait in queues.
“However, a few polling centres did not do so. Thirty five (35) polling stations (10.8%) from 9 regions were without a tactile jacket. Reportedly, these Centres without the tactile braille/jacket did not have persons with sight impairments.”
On Security, he said “Majority (270) of the polling centres observed had security officers who were easily identifiable (in their uniform) to maintain peace and order. However, five (5) of the centres observed had no security personnel stationed at the centres”.
He called for more education for actors in the electoral system to improve on future elections.
