Adhere Strictly To New Date, EU, ECOWAS Election Observers, Others Tell INEC

The European Union Election Observation Mission, Economic
Community of West African States Election Observation Mission and
other election observers have asked the Independent National
Electoral Commission to finalise preparations and adhere strictly
to the new February 23, 2019 date for the general elections.

The Observer missions noted that the suspension of the polls due
to logistical and operational challenges had caused disappointment
for many, admonishing the commission 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.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the leader
of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, former President of
Liberia, Johnson Sirleaf, African Union Election Observation
Mission leader, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam
Desalegn and Commonwealth Observer Group leader, former President
of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete.

Others include the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy
in Africa Election Observation Mission leader, former President of
Zambia, Rupiah Banda; European Union Election Observation Mission
Chief observer, and Belgian Member of the European Parliament,
Maria Arena; National Democratic Institute/International Republican
Institute Election Observation Mission co-Chairmen, former
President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, and ex-President of Latvia,
Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga.

Others are the Director of African Political Affairs
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Amb. Boubakar Adamou and the
United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for
West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas.

The statement read, “We, the Heads of the international election
observation missions and the United Nations present in Nigeria,
have taken note of the decision of the INEC to postpone the 2019
general elections due to logistical and operational challenges.

“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.”