#NigeriaDecides2023: US condemns voter intimidation in gubernatorial elections and wants perpetrators punished
The US government on Tuesday called on the Nigerian government to hold accountable and bring to justice those found guilty of voter intimidation in the gubernatorial elections.
“We call on the Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice anyone who ordered or led efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the electoral process,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. Abuja in a press release.< /p>
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Saturday's gubernatorial elections were characterized by widespread violence, intimidation and voter repression, according to media and election observer groups.
The United States said its observers had witnessed some of these uncivil acts firsthand. "Members of the US diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents."
He noted that he was "deeply disturbed" by the acts that took place during the elections in Lagos, Kano and other states. He also found that the use of ethnically-based rhetoric before, during and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was of concern.
"We commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth and citizens who have chosen to reject and speak out against such violence and inflammatory language, affirming the commitment and respect of Nigerians to the democratic process," he added. .
The United States has said it will explore all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, against those suspected of being responsible for or complicit in undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
>He went further by commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving the voting processes and technical elements that suffered flaws in the presidential election.
“The March 18 elections appear to have seen significant operational improvements, as polling stations generally opened on time and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform in a timely manner,” said he noted.
ALSO READ: Lagos2023: Labor Party's Rhodes-Vivour alleges voter intimidationAgain, this has encouraged aggrieved parties to seek redress through established legal procedures, which should not be impeded.
Gubernatorial elections were held last Saturday in 28 of Nigeria's 36 states, with winners declared in most of them.
The presidential election took place three weeks before and Bola Tinubu of the APC became the elected president. However, runner-up and runner-up Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi dispute the election results.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
The US government on Tuesday called on the Nigerian government to hold accountable and bring to justice those found guilty of voter intimidation in the gubernatorial elections.
“We call on the Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice anyone who ordered or led efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the electoral process,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. Abuja in a press release.< /p>
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Saturday's gubernatorial elections were characterized by widespread violence, intimidation and voter repression, according to media and election observer groups.
The United States said its observers had witnessed some of these uncivil acts firsthand. "Members of the US diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents."
He noted that he was "deeply disturbed" by the acts that took place during the elections in Lagos, Kano and other states. He also found that the use of ethnically-based rhetoric before, during and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was of concern.
"We commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth and citizens who have chosen to reject and speak out against such violence and inflammatory language, affirming the commitment and respect of Nigerians to the democratic process," he added. .
The United States has said it will explore all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, against those suspected of being responsible for or complicit in undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
>He went further by commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving the voting processes and technical elements that suffered flaws in the presidential election.
“The March 18 elections appear to have seen significant operational improvements, as polling stations generally opened on time and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform in a timely manner,” said he noted.
ALSO READ: Lagos2023: Labor Party's Rhodes-Vivour alleges voter intimidationAgain, this has encouraged aggrieved parties to seek redress through established legal procedures, which should not be impeded.
Gubernatorial elections were held last Saturday in 28 of Nigeria's 36 states, with winners declared in most of them.
The presidential election took place three weeks before and Bola Tinubu of the APC became the elected president. However, runner-up and runner-up Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi dispute the election results.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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