The United States has condemned voter intimidation and
increased violence that marred the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly
elections on Saturday.
This was contained in a statement made available to our
correspondent on Tuesday.
The rescheduled Governorship and Houses of Assembly
elections were held in 28 states and 36 states, respectively, amid increased
violence and voter intimidation when compared with the Presidential and
National Assembly polls held on February 25.
Despite the massive deployment of security agencies in many
strategic locations, there was widespread violence in many states of the
federation.
The US said despite that the March 18 elections appeared to
have had significant operational improvements, as polling stations generally
opened on time and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform
in a timely manner, there were increased violence in Lagos, Kano and other reported
states.
However, it commended stakeholders who spoke against the
violence and intimidation melted on voters, adding that it was a sign of
respect to democratic process.
The statement read in part “Nigeria carried out the second
round of its electoral process with gubernatorial and state assembly elections
on March 18.
“The United States is
deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and
suppression that took place during those polls in Lagos, Kano, and other
states. Members of the U.S. diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos
and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand.
“The use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and
after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning.
“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 Nigerians’
commitment to and respect for the democratic process.”
The US also threatened to sanction perpetrators, calling on
Nigerian authorities to probe reports on election violence.
It said, “We call on Nigerian authorities to hold
accountable and bring to justice any individuals found to have ordered or carried
out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election
process.
“The United States likewise will consider all available
actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be
responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in
Nigeria.
“The United States renews its call for any challenges to
election results to go through established legal processes, which must not be
interfered with. We further call for Nigeria’s people to work together as they
participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy.”
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