Meaning: The quote by Olusegun Obasanjo, a Nigerian statesman and former President of Nigeria, addresses the absence of European Union (EU) observers at an election and the implications it may have on its fairness and freedom. This quote reflects the importance of international observation in ensuring the credibility of elections and the democratic process. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the context of election observation, the role of international observers, and the impact of their presence or absence on the electoral process.

Election observation is a critical component of democratic governance, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and the integrity of electoral processes. International observers, such as those from the European Union, are deployed to assess the conduct of elections, including the pre-election environment, voting process, and post-election developments. Their presence serves to provide an impartial assessment of the electoral process and to offer recommendations for improvement based on international standards and best practices.

The absence of EU observers at an election raises concerns about the potential limitations in ensuring the fairness and freedom of the electoral process. While their presence alone does not guarantee the integrity of an election, it is often seen as a contributing factor in promoting transparency and deterring electoral malpractices. International observers bring a level of scrutiny and oversight that can help to identify irregularities, intimidation, or other issues that may compromise the legitimacy of the electoral outcome.

Olusegun Obasanjo's statement acknowledges that the absence of EU observers should not automatically lead to the conclusion that an election will be unfair and unfree. This nuanced perspective recognizes that the credibility of an election should not solely hinge on the presence of international observers, but rather on a combination of factors, including the independence of electoral institutions, the conduct of political parties, and the engagement of civil society in the electoral process.

Moreover, the quote highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to election monitoring and assessment. While international observers play a crucial role, their absence should prompt domestic and regional stakeholders to step up their efforts in ensuring the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. Local observer groups, media, and civil society organizations can fill the gap left by the absence of international observers by conducting parallel vote tabulations, monitoring media coverage, and mobilizing voters to participate in the electoral process.

It is also important to consider the broader implications of the absence of international observers on the legitimacy and credibility of election results. In the absence of robust monitoring, there is a risk that allegations of electoral fraud or irregularities may undermine public trust in the electoral process and lead to disputes over the legitimacy of the outcome. This can have far-reaching consequences for political stability, public confidence in democratic institutions, and the overall credibility of the electoral process.

In conclusion, Olusegun Obasanjo's quote underscores the significance of international election observation and the potential impact of the absence of EU observers on the fairness and freedom of elections. While their presence is not a guarantee of a free and fair election, it serves as an important mechanism for promoting transparency, deterring malpractices, and providing an independent assessment of the electoral process. The quote prompts us to consider the broader context of election monitoring and to recognize the shared responsibility of domestic and international actors in upholding the integrity of democratic processes.