The United Nations on Thursday backed the idea of the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use card readers during the
rescheduled March 28 presidential elections in Nigeria, stressing the need for
all Nigeria’s political parties to create a conducive environment for the
elections.
Speaking during his visit to Nigeria, the United Nations
Political Envoy, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, lauded the efforts of the electoral
umpire for its ability to distribute Permanent Voters Cards and the testing of
card readers despite a tight schedule and logistical challenges.
He pressed further that the efforts of the Jega-led INEC to
implement the use of card readers during the polls should help Nigerians and
the international community build their confidence in the country’s electoral
system and pave the way for the holding of credible and inclusive elections. He
also said that the electoral commission had made “noteworthy” progress in the
preparations for the upcoming elections.
Speaking further, the United Nations top official noted that
it was only the ability of Nigeria’s politicians to prevent heating up the
polity that could guarantee credible and bloodless electoral process in the
country.
Flanked by the Secretary-General’s High-Level Representative
to Nigeria, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Mr. Feltman insisted on the need for electoral
and political officials to continue working together to creating an environment
conducive to the holding of violence-free and credible elections. He added that
only a conducive environment could make eligible Nigerians to freely exercise
their constitutional right to vote including those displaced by violence in the
northeast.
He however commended President Goodluck Jonathan of the
ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the presidential candidate of the
All Progressive Party (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari, for their
commitment to the so-called Abuja Accord aimed at preventing election-related
violence.
“Given the important role Nigeria plays in the region and
globally, the international community is closely watching the elections in
Nigeria and that any persons responsible for violence will be held
accountable,” Mr. Feltman stated.
Turning to the situation in the country’s northeast, where
Government forces are currently fighting the militant group Boko Haram, Mr.
Feltman reiterated UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon’s message that no
cause or grievance can justify the insurgent group’s “continuing indiscriminate
and brutal attacks” against the region’s civilian populations.
-http://leadership.ng/
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