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 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
create 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 Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) and the presidential candidate of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari, for their
commitment to the 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.
--Leadership
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