2019 elections: Int’l observers, UN urge INEC to adhere to new timeline

The Heads of the international election observation missions and the United Nations in Nigeria, have called on Nigerians to remain calm and supportive of the electoral process as INEC works to implement its new timeline.

In a statement signed its Director of Communications, Sarah Fradgley, the missions acknowledged that the decision to postpone the elections has caused disappointment across the country’s landscape.

However, the missions urged INEC to strictly adhere to the new dates and 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.

The statement said: “We, the Heads of the international election observation missions and the United Nations present in Nigeria, have taken note of the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the 2019 general elections due to logistical and operational challenges.

“While we note that this decision has caused disappointment for many, we call on all Nigerians to continue to remain calm and supportive of the electoral process as INEC works to implement its new timeline.

“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.

The observer missions included Economic Community of West African States Election Observation Mission – led by former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,, African Union Election Observation Mission headed by  Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn and Commonwealth Observer Group led by Dr Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania

Others were Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Rupiah Banda, Former President of ZambiZamb

European Union Election Observation Mission headed by Maria Arena, Belgian Member of the European Parliament.

National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Festus Mogae, Former President of Botswana and Her Excellency Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, Former President of Latvia,  Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Ambassador Boubakar Adamou, Director of African Political Affairs and the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel led by Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas.

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