United States Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the upcoming Bayelsa elections without pressure and intimidation.
Claire noted that all electoral malpractices should not be tolerated at all cost, adding that professional conduct of all stakeholders is critical for peaceful and credible elections.
She made this known to journalists during the press briefing held by the United States Embassy in Lagos regarding the upcoming Bayelsa Elections in the country.
“It is also critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission operates free from outside pressure and intimidation and in a totally objective manner.
“Voter intimidation, vote-buying, interference by security forces, and violence cannot be tolerated.
“The professional conduct of all stakeholders – especially security forces – is crucial for free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful elections.
“The Nigerian security services must provide a safe, secure, and impartial environment for the people of Bayelsa to exercise their right to vote.
“Political actors, political parties, bloggers and other influencers must not engage in hate speech or incite violence. People who engage in such conduct must be held accountable,” she said.
The Consul General encouraged all eligible voters in Bayelsa to participate in the upcoming elections and exercise their political franchise.
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Claire noted that a large turnout will enhance the credibility of the election and Nigeria’s democratic reputation, asking every effort be made to boost the participation of women, youth and people living with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Pierangelo said that the Embassy will work closely with other observers in supporting crime-free elections in the state.
The General reiterated the embassy’s commitment towards supporting peaceful and credible elections in the country.
“As friend of Nigeria and its people, we will follow the election closely. We will be out there in the field observing the election.
“I am aware that many other foreign, international organizations will also be on the ground in Bayelsa. We will work closely with our colleagues and partners in the international community to promote a credible process that will benefit the people of Bayelsa.
“I recently returned from Bayelsa as part of my first trip to the Niger Delta region since assuming my role as the Consul General.
“During the visit, I met with the leading candidates and leadership of the political parties. In all of my public and private engagements with key stakeholders, I expressed the U.S. expectations regarding an electoral outcome that reflects the will of the people of Bayelsa.
“The Bayelsa election provides a channel for the citizens to choose a leader who will govern fairly and ensure access to basic services for all of its citizens.
“I would like to reiterate the U.S. Mission’s longstanding commitment to support free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
“It is our desire to see nothing less during the November 16th election in Bayelsa State.
“The US government has assisted Nigeria with strengthening the electoral process since 1999 and from that time, robust U.S. elections-related diplomacy and programs have sought to advance three main objectives.
“First, we support a free and fair electoral process, including technical assistance to Nigeria’s election institutions and civil society in addition to our active monitoring of both general and off-cycle elections.
“Second, we consistently work to prevent and mitigate election-related violence, including peacebuilding programs and messaging.
“Third, we encourage an expansion in Nigerian civic and political engagement, including support to Nigerian civil society’s election observation efforts and parallel vote tabulation, as well as campaigns such as Vote, Not Fight that promote peaceful political involvement by Nigeria’s youth,” she said.
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