Commonwealth commends Nigeria’s Elections Preparation

Commonwealth commends Nigeria’s Elections Preparation
Ngozi John-Anigbogu, Abuja

The Commonwealth Observer team for the 2011 elections in Nigeria says the country has improved on some of the lapses witnessed in its electoral process in 2007.

Briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the Observer group, former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, said that there was a positive mood, as some of the shortcomings and deficiencies pointed out by international observers in the 2007 elections had been attended to by Nigeria.

Confidence on INEC

He expressed satisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, but urged the commission to write a new chapter in Nigeria by displaying integrity, impartiality and technical competence.

Mogae said in the wake of the 2007 elections flaws it is vital that Nigeria writes a new electoral chapter, restoring public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and processes.

The Chairman of the Observer group noted that all stakeholders must play their role in that quest and stressed that Nigeria’s election was important to Africa, as it could affect the way the international community view the continent.

The sixteen-member Observer mission also called on the political parties to respect the rules of the game, eschew violence and focus on issues.

Williams