European Union Observation Mission released its preliminary statement for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Monday, 11th March 2019. The mission’s Chief Observer, Maria Arena noted that the polling procedures were better compared to what obtained in the polls of February 23rd. She however noted that the elections were characterised by low voter turnout, violence and intimidation against election officials and voters, few cases of underage voting and transparent counting of ballots. Arena also noted that citizen observers were obstructed by the military and security agents on election day, while observers, including the mission’s observers were denied access to Collation Centres in Rivers State. The mission highlighted the misuse of incumbency, which involved the use of State offices and institutional websites for campaigns by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). According to Arena, “The systemic problems evident in the 2019 electoral process show the need for an inclusive national discussion on reform for greater electoral integrity and participation.” The statement also stated the EU Mission’s alignment with the view of leading civil society organisations, on an urgent need to restore faith in the electoral process.