International Election Observers Seek Visa Extension

Following the rescheduling of the 2019 general elections, an
international election observer group, the Pan African Women
Project based in South Africa has appealed to the Federal
Government to extend the visas of all foreign observers to enable
them stay until March 9, 2019.

The publicity secretary of the organisation, Mphoentle Keitseng,
made the appeal at a joint press briefing on the general elections
by domestic and international observers in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State
capital.

“The Nigerian government should instruct the Comptroller General
of Immigration to extend the visas for all foreign observers
enabling to stay until the March the 9th 2019 general elections,”
said Ms Keitseng.

The group expressed confidence in the ability of INEC to conduct
the elections on the rescheduled dates but cautioned, “The Nigerian
government should take into cognizance that the entire world is
watching with keen interest, the entire electoral process by
Nigeria.

“Many measures are put in place by different observer groups to
ensure that the 2019 general elections will be transparent and
credible and should meet all international standards. As such,
further postponement should be avoided.”

She asked INEC to work assiduously towards instilling confidence
in the process by constantly and timeously updating the public on
its activities towards the election, just as the group also called
on Nigerians to remain calm and support INEC and the electoral
process.