In anticipation of the upcoming February 16 polls, the United States’ Congress has stressed the need for transparency and credibility in the Nigerian elections. They have done this in a bid to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries as members of the European Union arrive in the country to observe the elections.
Introducing a resolution urging the Nigerian government and the political parties involved in the elections to ensure accountability and peace, Karen Bass, a Democratic member of congress serving on the House’s Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, stated that the US will continue to stand by Nigeria in its fight for a peaceful electoral process.
“A credible, transparent and peaceful election this coming February would further consolidate democratic gains achieved over the last two decades. Nigerians are deeply committed to democracy and ensuring transparency in electoral preparations, which would build public confidence in the electoral process. This resolution sends the message that the people of the United States will continue to stand with the people of Nigeria in support of peace and democracy.”
Co-sponsoring the bill were the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Elliot Engel representing New York, Chris Smith, a top Republican serving on the same Committee as Bass, Nigerian Caucus Co-Chairs, Steve Chabot and Sheila Jackson, and Representative Gregory Meeks from New York.
Speaking on the 2015 election, which was lauded by the international community as a model of true democratic elections, Engel said: “In 2015, Nigeria became another democratic role model for countries on the continent, showing that a credible electoral process could result in the peaceful transition of power from an incumbent to the opposition. Regardless of the outcome, my hope for the upcoming presidential, gubernatorial, and National Assembly elections is that Nigerian politicians, citizens, and the electoral commission will build on the successes of 2015 to further consolidate democracy in Nigeria.”
Addressing concerns around the recent actions of the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, Rep. Chris Smith was quoted saying: “Reports of President Muhammadu Buhari’s apparent crackdown on non-violent protests and harassment of opposition leaders are extremely concerning, as well as the ongoing violence that has been perpetrated by extremists, particularly in the Middle Belt region. The violence must be stopped, along with any subversion of the electoral process. The Nigerian government must see to free and fair elections, which this resolution calls for.”
The members of the house then called for Nigeria to remain a role model for modern day African democracy, by working hard to ensure the elections are free and fair so that its people can have full confidence in whatever outcome is presented.
Also arriving in Abuja on Tuesday were 11 election analysts and 40 observers deployed by the European Union Observation Mission (EU – EOM) led by Chief Observer, Maria Arena. She explained that the mission’s job is to observe and assess the legal framework of the elections and its implementation, campaign activities of the running candidates and their political parties.
Observing for the sixth time, the Union said: “The 2019 election is very important for Nigeria to build on what was achieved in 2015. But we must state very clearly that we have no interest in seeing this or other candidates win. We are completely independent of EU delegations and we will assess Nigeria’s commitment to electoral laws and international best practices.”
“While the 11 election specialists are in Abuja, the 40 long-term observers will observe in all the six geopolitical zones, meeting with as many people as possible,” she noted.
