Election Must Hold On New Dates, Says TI [MUST READ]

Transparency International, on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the postponement of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria.

It lamented that the development could threaten the people’s rights to vote and might undermine the nation’s democracy.


José Ugaz, Chair of Transparency International, in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Independent, called on the Nigerian Government to ensure “not only safety for voters at the polls but that they go ahead without more delays.”


The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, last Saturday, announced the postponement of the polls, which were earlier scheduled to hold on February 14, and 28 for national and state elections respectively.

The postponement, which was by six weeks, was hinged on security concerns.

INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, had, while announcing the postponement, said the development became inevitable owing to the confession by the Nigerian Army that security of lives and property could not be guaranteed, especially due to the insurgency ravaging the North Eastern part of the country.


But Ugaz, in the statement, recalled: “Candidates for all parties have been successfully campaigning in some of the regions where insurgents are known to operate.


“Clearly, the safety of Nigerians comes first and foremost but the government should also ensure that elections are held on time, are transparent and are free from fraud.”


“Under the Nigerian Constitution, the term of current government expires on 29 May and elections must happen at least one month prior to this date. The government must commit to this timetable.


It is unclear whether a six weeks’ delay will help the Nigerian Army combat the threat from extremist groups such as Boko Haram, which it has been trying to stop for several years.”


Some public commentators have equally argued that it is imperative that any delay in the election is clearly justified to avert suspicion that the government is simply seeking to hold on to power.


“The government must also ensure that there is no political intimidation and no arrests during the run up to the polls that would trigger violence.


“Most of eligible voters now have their new election cards, which will make attempts to rig the voting much harder than in the past,” said Ugaz.

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