By Mark C. Orgu, news/comments, March 22, 2019
The United States (US) has expressed her displeasure and roles played by the Nigerian Military over the February 23 presidential, National Assembly elections and the March 9, governorship and State House of Assembly, stressing that the involvement of the Nigerian Military in most of the alleged irregularities, reports of interference, in the general election is a bad signal to Nigerian democracy. This was made know in a statement by the US embassy yesterday, where it expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives during the elections and urged all relevant stakeholders to work in synergy in the remaining supplementary elections, to be held tomorrow, March 23, 2019. The embassy also reiterated its support for a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people would reflect in the results. It further hinted:
“The US once again congratulates the Nigerian people’s commitment to the democratic process throughout the election season” “The US supports a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results. As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow closely the ongoing elections. We do not have a preferred party or candidate. “As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary reports, we too were disappointed by the low voter turnout as well as credible reports of voter intimidation, vote buying, and interference by security forces, and violence in some locations”
“We are saddened by those acts of violence and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, including those who worked for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the security services. “As the 2019 electoral cycle comes to an end, we urge all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful process, especially for the many Nigerians across the country who again will go to polls on Saturday”
“We encourage all stakeholders,
including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to continue to
improve the electoral process for future elections. “We look to Nigeria as an
important leader on the African continent. As a democratic partner of Nigeria,
the United States remains committed to working together to achieve our mutual
goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both our countries.”
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