Commonwealth Team In Nigeria Over April Election

Commonwealth Team In Nigeria Over April Election

The Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth , Mrs. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba is leading a team deliberating with political stakeholders on Nigeria 's forthcoming April general election.

A statement by the Commonwealth Communications and Public Affairs Division in Abuja, quoted Masire-Mwamba as saying that Nigeria was a key and valued member of the commonwealth family.

She said that the manner in which the elections would be held was of much interest to the association and that any election was a complex and challenging undertaking that required the cooperation and support of all stakeholders.

''The election management body must show the necessary technical capability, and integrity, political leaders and parties must display political will and the electorate needs to show faith in the democratic process,'' the statement quotes her as saying.

It added that all Nigerians must reject violence and respect the rule of law.

The statement urged the Nigerian government to ensure that both the process and outcome of the elections met Commonwealth values as well as international and regional electoral benchmarks.

''The Commonwealth reaffirmed its support and expectation for a peaceful and credible electoral process in Nigeria ,'' it added.

NAN/Margaret/Yinka