The Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle,
has applauded the decision of the Independent National Electoral
Commission to use the Permanent Voter Card in the general elections
which commenced on Saturday.
The ambassador, who spoke with journalists at the International
Conference Centre, venue of the National Collation Centre of the
election results, on Sunday said Nigeria's PVC involved superior
technology which his state of Virginia in the US needed to copy.
He said, "I am very impressed by the decision of INEC to use
technology in this election. The Permanent Voter Cards are very
high-tech.
"They are more high tech than my voter card from the state of Virginia
in the US. My voter card does not have biometric. It does not have my
fingerprint. The high-tech gives the process more integrity.
"I congratulate INEC on taking the part of High-tech. I think we need
to come and study it so that we can use it in my country."
The ambassador expressed hope that INEC would address the challenges
experienced in the use of card readers and move forward.
Entwistle, who said he monitored the elections in Abuja, expressed
satisfaction over the patience and dedication of Nigerians to the
smooth conduct of the exercise.
He said, "I was extremely impressed. On Saturday, I went to number of
places in the FCT. Every place I went, I was impressed by the patience
and dedication of the Nigerian voter. I found that inspirational."
Entwistle further said Nigerians had reminded the world of how
beautiful democracy was.
He said the expectation of the American government "is that the
Nigerian people will win".
He added that his country's government would be willing to work with
anybody who emerged as winner of the presidential election.
He said, "I mean they (the people) will get what they want which of
course is a transparent, credible and non-violent election. We look
forward to working with whatever government emerges from the
election."
--PUNCH.
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