We are glad to note the continued build-up of keen interest by the international community in our forthcoming polls, particularly the need for their free and fair conduct to ensure only the genuine mandate of the Nigerian electorate prevails.
In November 2018, 24 countries drawn from the European Union, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia issued a joint statement calling for a free and fair conduct of the polls.
It reads in part: “Who wins the elections is for the Nigerian people to decide. “Our concern is to see a process leading to free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections. We hope to see transparent campaigns and we urge all voters to use their democratic rights and vote. We are particularly keen to see greater participation of women, youth and people living with disabilities.”
As recently as January 24, 2019, the US and UK threatened not to issue visas to those identified for abetting election-rigging. The US warned: “We and other democratic nations will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during and after the elections.”
US laws stipulate visa restrictions against election offenders and their family members. Though the Federal Government says it welcomes threats to deny visas to election riggers, it however, warned it would not tolerate foreign interference.
President Muhammadu Buhari, his main challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and other presidential candidates have already signed an undertaking to accept the outcome of the elections, though the opposition insists they must be free and fair. 2019/02/01
Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/us-eu-and-uks-stand-against-election-riggers/
