As the campaigns for the 2019 elections begin, the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the United States of America have cautioned Nigeria’s security agencies to avoid actions that could impede the success of next year’s general election.
This was said in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
“We wish to draw particular attention to the fundamental role of the security agencies in providing a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their democratic rights. It is vital that security agencies act, and are seen to act, in an impartial manner that maintains the high standards of professional conduct,” said in the statement.
The Delegation and the United States said they were “gravely concerned over widespread incidents of intimidation, interference and vote buying during the recent gubernatorial elections. We were also perturbed by irregularities and violence during party primaries.” They also expressed the desire for “greater participation of women, youth, and people living with disabilities.”
The statement was jointly signed by various countries with missions in Nigeria including, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, and Austria. Others are Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden.
“We reiterate the importance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as it fulfills its constitutional role. INEC must be allowed to operate free from outside pressure and intimidation, and in turn, must demonstrate full neutrality and professionalism. We encourage that adequate funding is swiftly facilitated for INEC and supporting institutions, and we hope to see the entry into force of improvements to the Electoral Act as soon as possible,” the statement added.
