Nigerian commission INEC urged to hold credible and peaceful polls

General News on Thursday, February 14, 2019

Source: Graphic.com.gh

2019-02-14

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is urged to remain impartial and transparent and to ensure that Saturday's general elections are conducted in line with international best practices.

The West African Election Watch Network (WAEON), which launches this appeal, said the holding of free, fair, peaceful and credible elections not only represents the aspirations of the majority of Nigerian adults, it is also good and healthy for Africa.

In a statement released on Wednesday, WAEON said the elections of Saturday, February 16, 2019, which were held for the sixth consecutive time since the country's return to multiparty democracy in 1999, mark a steady progress in the path of democracy in the country.

"As a result, it is necessary that all stakeholders work to consolidate the gains made so far by ensuring credible and peaceful election results," he said.

WAEON acknowledged that "the election is a crucial pillar of democracy. Fortunately, most Nigerians also share this view. According to the 2017 Afrobarometer survey, 72% of adult Nigerians view elections as the best legitimate way to choose leaders, while 67% said their last elections (the 2015 general election) were "totally free and equitable "or" free and fair with minor problems. "

The network said the results offered electoral stakeholders an opportunity to challenge every opportunity to work diligently to provide Nigerians with free, fair, credible and peaceful elections, and that such results would contribute to strengthening the gains made in the past. institutionalization of democracy.

WAEON also urged Nigerian security services to "respect high professional standards during the voting process and to keep polling stations safe from threats of intimidation and violence, in order to do not discourage voters from going to the polls. "

He hoped that the Nigerian people would have successful elections, which can only be presented as credible and peaceful if all stakeholders diligently contribute their quota to ensure acceptable results.

Nigeria has about 84 million registered voters, while 71 people are competing for the presidential race, with 8,878 candidates for national and governor posts.