EU Warns Nigeria on 2011 Elections
- By Simeon Ogoegbulem
- Published July 5th, 2010
- News
- Unrated
The European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria has warned that all necessary steps must be taken by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to ensure that the general elections slated for next year is free, fair and credible. The EU Heads of Mission welcomed the continued commitment to credible elections as expressed by President Goodluck Jonathan.
There have been concerns from within and outside Nigeria over the credibility of the results of the general elections holding next year. The fears may not be unconnected with the outcome of previous elections with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wining overwhelmingly in what many observers described as flawed elections.
An improvement in elections in line with internationally recognised standards will be important for the country’s international standing and would enhance democratic governance, bringing benefits for economic growth, alleviating poverty and tackling the causes of conflict.
Jonathan has, since his emergence as president last May, assured both Nigerians and the international community that his government would conduct a free and fair elections. The president has not ceased to tell whoever cared to listen that “come 2011, every vote must count”
The EU noted that translating that top level determination into action within the short time frame before elections will be a significant challenge, given the size of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. The delegation said it is committed to supporting all efforts to address that challenge, provided that the political will of all Nigerian stakeholders is guaranteed.
The EU expressed satisfaction at the important step that has been taken in appointing a new chairman and commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec). The delegation, however, warned that the Inec needs to be totally independent and impartial in order to gain the trust of the people.
Other urgent actions, the delegation said, are needed if adequate preparations are to be completed in time. These include the need for a clear, realistic plan and adequate budget for Inec to enable the register of 80 million voters to be overhauled.
The European Union Heads of Mission call on all political and other leaders in Nigeria to take prompt action to promote and ensure sound, peaceful, free and fair elections and to denounce violence and hate speech as unacceptable. Nigeria plays a leading role in West Africa and beyond.
There have been concerns from within and outside Nigeria over the credibility of the results of the general elections holding next year. The fears may not be unconnected with the outcome of previous elections with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wining overwhelmingly in what many observers described as flawed elections.
An improvement in elections in line with internationally recognised standards will be important for the country’s international standing and would enhance democratic governance, bringing benefits for economic growth, alleviating poverty and tackling the causes of conflict.
Jonathan has, since his emergence as president last May, assured both Nigerians and the international community that his government would conduct a free and fair elections. The president has not ceased to tell whoever cared to listen that “come 2011, every vote must count”
The EU noted that translating that top level determination into action within the short time frame before elections will be a significant challenge, given the size of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. The delegation said it is committed to supporting all efforts to address that challenge, provided that the political will of all Nigerian stakeholders is guaranteed.
The EU expressed satisfaction at the important step that has been taken in appointing a new chairman and commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec). The delegation, however, warned that the Inec needs to be totally independent and impartial in order to gain the trust of the people.
Other urgent actions, the delegation said, are needed if adequate preparations are to be completed in time. These include the need for a clear, realistic plan and adequate budget for Inec to enable the register of 80 million voters to be overhauled.
The European Union Heads of Mission call on all political and other leaders in Nigeria to take prompt action to promote and ensure sound, peaceful, free and fair elections and to denounce violence and hate speech as unacceptable. Nigeria plays a leading role in West Africa and beyond.
