U.S. will support election process which protects rights of Nigerians

Abuja – The U.S. Government says it will
support an election process which protects the
rights of Nigerians to use the ballot box to
reflect their views and concerns of their
communities.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, James
Entwistle, stated this at the opening of a four-
day workshop for INEC Public Affairs Officers
on Monday in Abuja.
“You’re well aware that the U.S. supports a
free, credible, inclusive, and peaceful electoral
process in which democratic principles are
adhered to by all parties, candidates and
institutions.
“This process encompasses all stages in the
run-up to elections, including preparation of
voter rolls, running campaigns, conducting the
actual election, and handling any problems
immediately afterwards.
“We support an election process that protects
the rights of Nigerians to use the ballot box to
reflect the views and concerns of their
communities — a process that helps to
produce a stable, democratic government,
regardless of which candidate wins,’’ Entwistle
said.
He urged the public affairs officers to help
sharpen public knowledge and perceptions
about elections, the debate process and
provide crucial information on voters’ rights
as well as voter registration process.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports
that the workshop’s theme is “The Role of
INEC Press Officers: Enhancing Good
Governance through Media and Grassroots
Outreach.”
Entwistle said the training, which was
organised by the U.S. Embassy, was part of
the U.S. support to INEC and Nigeria for all
upcoming elections, including the national
ones in 2015.
He urged the media and Nigerians to embark
on a public programmes against election
violence.
“Make it clear that if a candidate wants your
vote, he or she must take the pledge that they
will not advocate, forment or condone violence
before, during, or after the elections.
“So, please consider spreading the word about
this non-violence pledge, because we must
demand better behaviour from those seeking
our
approval to govern,’’ the envoy said.
Entwistle, who congratulated INEC and other
electoral stakeholders on the success of the
Ekiti elections, urged them to replicate that in
Osun and in next year’s general elections.
In his address, the Chairman of INEC, Prof.
Attahiru Jega said the commission had put in
place measures to improve on the capacity of
its members of staff.
He said this was done as parts of its effort
towards delivering credible elections by 2015.
“These efforts at building the capacity of
members of staff are informed by the fact that
well trained members of staff are most likely
to exude confidence and to perform their tasks
competently,’’ Jega said.
He said the conference’s theme would
resonate with the commission’s leaders as
they think on needs to reach out to a majority
of Nigerians who live in the rural areas.(NAN)