*Charges INEC To Maintain Neutrality, Combat Vote-Buying

By Temidayo Akinsuyi

The Senate of the United States of America (USA) has identified the delay in signing the Electoral Amendment Bill as one of the major obstacles to the conduct of the 2019 general elections and has urged the Federal Government to finalise it before the elections.

It made the resolution following a motion moved by Senator Bob Menendez, a Democratic senator representing New Jersey and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

While asking the Federal Government to respect the impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to take necessary steps to facilitate elections that are credible, transparent, and peaceful.

The U. S. Senate said steps would include providing adequate funding, sensitising the voters, and take necessary actions to punish electoral offenders through the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunal.

The senators also raised concerns over the recently concluded governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun where, it said, security agencies displayed partisanship.

“During the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections in July 2018 and September 2018, respectively, there were concerning incidents in which some elements of Nigeria’s security agencies displayed partisanship and a lack of objectivity, which risks escalating tensions within the country.”

While reaffirming the support of the United States towards ensuring a peaceful, electioneering process in the country, the U.S. Senate said that collaboration between civil society organisations “was a key factor that contributed to successful elections in 2015”.

While moving the motion, Menendez said, “I am introducing this resolution to send a signal that the U.S. Senate is carefully watching the conduct of all actors leading up to the February 2019 elections.

“Nigeria’s last elections in 2015 resulted in the country’s first peaceful transfer of power between political parties, and have rightfully created high expectations among the Nigerian electorate for further improvements.

“I encourage all those participating in the contest to do their part to ensure that the February elections are peaceful, credible, and meet Nigerian, African, and international standards for the conduct of democratic elections.

“A credible outcome to next year’s elections will pave the way to closer ties between the United States and Nigeria for years to come, strengthening continued, economic, development and security cooperation.”

Part of the resolutions by the Senate reads: “Whereas the statement of the September 2018 Joint National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute Pre-Election Assessment Mission to Nigeria cited remaining challenges and concerns such as delays in finalising the legal framework, delayed release of funds for the elections, security threats in the Middle Belt and North East, instances of vote buying and incitement to violence and disinformation.

“Move expeditiously to finalise the proposed reforms to the legal framework for elections and to ensure the disbursement of funds for the elections.

“Whereas Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has improved the voting process, notably through the introduction of Continuous Voters Registration, the adoption of simultaneous accreditation and voting, improvements to the secrecy of the ballot and the advancement of smart card reader technology.”

The Senate also said it “condemns in the strongest terms the use of hate speech and incitement to violence” and urged “refrain from any rhetoric or action that seeks to demonise or delegitimise opponents, sow division among Nigerians, or otherwise inflame tensions”.
https://www.independent.ng/2019-election-u-s-senate-urges-fg-to-finalise-electoral-amendment-bill/

Jubril go gree hear word

Let's see how the "Go to America" APC crew to qualify as a Nigerian President will take this news..

baba no go gree hear word na.... u know say he get ear problem dat time....

Guess the Nigerian government will now take this timely advice as another interference of the US govt in Nigeria's democratic journey.

Then president Obama and John Kerry-Sec.of State also play significant role in influencing the outcome of the 2015 election both in their speech & actions.

A

Thank you, Senators. The whole world is watching. Buhari must sign whether he likes it or not

AM HAPPY THE WORLD IS WATCHING





BUHARI JUST DO THE NEEDFUL

2019 KO SWEET