INEC Must Adhere Strictly to New Dates: US, EU, ECOWAS, and Other International Observers Insist

W. Stuart Symington-US Amb. to Nigeria

The US Government has expressed support for the joint statement by the heads of the ECOWAS and other international election observation missions on the postponement of the February 16 Nigerian elections.

A statement issued by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria reads:

We join in encouraging all Nigerians to ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and credible election by supporting the Independent National Electoral Commission while it finalizes electoral preparations this week and by voting in peace together on February 23.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu with International Observers.

Earlier, the European Union Election Observation Mission, the Economic Community of West African States Election Observation Mission, and other election observers asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly finalize preparations and adhere strictly to the new February 23rd date for the general elections. The observers also insisted that INEC must work to improve confidence and trust in the process by providing updates to the public in the coming days and weeks leading up to the elections on 23 February and 9 March.

The joint statement was signed by the leader of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, former President of Liberia, Johnson Sirleaf, African Union Election Observation Mission leader, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Commonwealth Observer Group leader, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete,  Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa Election Observation Mission leader, former President of Zambia, Rupiah Banda, European Union Election Observation Mission Chief observer and Belgian Member of the European Parliament, Maria Arena, National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute Election Observation Mission co-Chairmen, former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, ex-President of Latvia, Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, and the Director of African Political Affairs Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Amb. Boubakar Adamou.

The statement reads,

We, the Heads of the international election observation missions and the United Nations present in Nigeria, have taken note of the decision of the INEC to postpone the 2019 general elections due to logistical and operational challenges.

We urge INEC to use this time to finalise all preparations and ensure that the new election dates are strictly adhered to. We encourage INEC to provide regular updates and information to the public on its preparations in the coming days and weeks to enhance confidence and trust in the process.

As we continue to closely observe preparations across the country, we stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria in their desire for credible and peaceful elections.”

suigeneris.agbara1.com