• Friday, March 29, 2024
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Foreign observers, UN ask INEC not to postpone elections again

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Heads of International elections Observation Missions and the United Nations (UN) in Nigeria have asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not postpone the next Saturday rescheduled elections.

INEC postponed the Saturday Presidential and National Assembly elections five hours to the poll time and rescheduled Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections from March 2 to March 9 for logistics problems.

Sarah Fradgley, Press and Public Outreach Officer,
European Union Election Observation Mission Nigeria 2019 made the call in a statement on behalf of Ellen Johnson, Head of Economic Community of West African States Election Observation Mission, Hailemariam Desalegn, Head of African Union Election Observation Mission, Jakaya Kikwete, Head of Commonwealth Observer Group, Rupiah Banda, Head of Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa Election Observation Mission, Maria Arena, Head of European Union Election Observation Mission, Festus Mogae, Head of National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute Election Observation Mission and Her Excellency Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, Former President of Latvia, Boubakar Adamou, Head of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Director of African Political Affairs as well as Mohamed Ibn Chambas, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel.

“We, the Heads of the international election observation 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 elections due to logistical and operational challenges.

“While we note that 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 timeline.

“We urge INEC to use this time to finalise all preparations and ensure that the new election dates are strictly adhered to. We encourage 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 process.

“As we continue to closely observe preparations across the country, we stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria in their desire for credible and peaceful elections”, the statement read.