• Thursday, March 28, 2024
businessday logo

BusinessDay

Election postponement: UN,  EU, AU, ECOWAS, C’wealth, others call for calm

A man votes at a polling station in Kano, Nigeria.
The Foreign Election observer missions  to the Nigerian general election from the United Nations (UN)African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS), the Commonwealth of Nations and other foreign observers, have called on Nigerians to remain calm following the postponement of Saturday’s general election by one week.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the postponement just few hours to the opening of the polls on Saturday, citing logistics and operational challenges.
 In a joint statement issued in Abuja on Saturday evening by the heads of the foreign observer groups to the Nigerian election, the observers also urged the INEC to use the one week window to finalize all preparations and ensure that the new election dates are strictly adhered to.
” We the heads of the international election observer missions and the United Nations present in Nigeria have taken note of the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the 2019 general election due to logistical and operational challenges.
” While we note this decision has caused disappointment for many, we call on all Nigerians to continue to remain calm and supportive of the electoral process as INEC works to implement its new timetable,” the statement said.
The observers also encouraged INEC to provide regular updates and information to the Public on its preparations in the coming days and weeks to enhance confidence and trust in the election process.
” As we continue to closely observe preparations accros the country, we stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria in their desire for credible and peaceful elections,” the statement added.
The statement was jointly signed by the head of the ECOWAS Election  Observation mission, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, former President of Liberia; Head of the African Union Observation Mission, Hallemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Head of the European Union Election Observation Mission, Maria Arena and Head of the Commonwealth Observation Mission, Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania.
Others were; the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary- General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas; Head of National Democratic Institute/ International Republican Institute Election Observation Mission, Festus Mogae, former president of Botwana among others.
 Innocent Odoh, Abuja