2019: US, EU, other top international emissaries task INEC on impartiality

As INEC released elections campaign time table, top diplomatic envoys in Nigeria have tasked for the neutrality and impartiality of the electoral umpire in the conduct of the elections.

In a joint statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the European Union, US and France and 23 other embassies in Nigeria reiterated their keen interest in the peaceful outcome of the 2019 elections.

Taking a swipe at what they described as biases against women and vote buying in the preceding election primaries, they called on the Nigeria government to consolidate on the successes of the 2015 elections.

“INEC must be allowed to operate free from outside pressure and intimidation, and in turn must demonstrate full neutrality and professionalism.

“We were gravely concerned over widespread incidents of intimidation, interference and vote-buying during the recent gubernatorial elections.

“We were also perturbed by irregularities and violence during party primaries, and noted with particular concern that several women candidates were disenfranchised.

While acknowledging the critical role of the 2015 peace accord, the diplomats expressed high hopes on the implementation of the improvements to the Electoral Act as soon as possible.

The statement also emphasized the imminence of professionalism and impartiality on the part of security operatives.

They jointly stressed the importance of media freedom and the need for balanced, neutral and non-defamatory media coverage.