EU will continue observing Nigeria’s elections despite shift

THE European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM), on Tuesday, in Abuja said it will continue to observe the elections in Nigeria in spite of the postponement.

The Chief Observer of the mission, Mr Santiago Fisas, said that he acknowledged the views adduced by INEC for the polls shift from Feb. 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11.

According to him, the mission also noted the statements by respective security chiefs who unanimously reiterated that safe elections could not be guaranteed at this time.

“We are seriously concerned at this delay and the reason given, security is critical but must not be political.

“People have to be able to vote, elections have to be held so that government is accountable.

“We look to the security agencies to give full support to INEC and all the people of Nigeria in the holding of polls on 28 March and 11 April,” Fisas said.

He said that the mission commended the peaceful reaction so far to the postponement and will continue observing the electoral process.

“We encourage all political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to consider the extra time as an opportunity to further prepare for the elections.

“More voters can collect their Permanent Voter Cards and candidates can elaborate on their proposed policies”, the Chief Observer said.

Fisas emphasised that for citizens to have confidence in the electoral process, the polls should not be further delayed.

“People need to know this and to see what is being done by the different authorities to make this happen.

“We will be here in different parts of the country observing the next crucial weeks in the run up to the election and beyond,” Fisas stressed. (NAN)