Transparency International has expressed concern that the delay in elections in Nigeria threatens the people’s right to vote and undermines democracy in the country.
In a recent statement, the organisation, also called on the government to ensure not only safety for voters at the polls but that the elections should go ahead without more delays.
The government had called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the elections, claiming that the army was not in a position to guarantee security during the polls in the face of insurgents in the north east. INEC had then set a new date of 28th March.
“Candidates for all parties have been successfully campaigning in some of the regions where insurgents are known to operate,” said José Ugaz, chair of Transparency International.
“Clearly the safety of Nigerians comes first and foremost but the government should also ensure that elections are held on time, are transparent and are free from fraud.”
Under the Nigerian constitution, the current term of government expires on 29th May and elections must happen at least one month prior to this date.
Transparency International warned that the government must commit to this timetable.
“It is unclear whether a six weeks’ delay will help the Nigerian army combat the threat from extremist groups such as Boko Haram, which it has been trying to stop for several years.
“It is imperative that any delay in the election is clearly justified to avert suspicion that the government is simply seeking to hold on to power.
“The government must also ensure that there is no political intimidation and no arrests during the run up to the polls that would trigger violence.
“Most of eligible voters now have their new election cards, which will make attempts to rig the voting much harder than in the past,” Ugaz said.
