We Expect Nothing Short Of Free, Fair Elections, U.S Tells FG

Ahead of Nigeria’s February 16 presidential election, the United States has said it expects nothing short of free, fair, credible and transparent polls.

In a video broadcast it sent out on Tuesday, the U.S charged Nigerians to ensure they exercise their franchise in the 2019 general elections.

In the broadcast, the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, charged electorates in the country to ensure their votes count at the polls.

The video broadcast was posted on the official Twitter handle of the U.S Mission Nigeria.

Symington urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in the country to ensure all candidates in the elections enjoy a level-playing ground.

He said, “The elections are a remarkable opportunity for all Nigerians to come together and for every citizen to express their will. What the United States hopes to see in your elections in this year 2019 are elections that are free, fair, credible and above all transparent. In this process, I know one thing: it is absolutely important for the citizens of Nigeria to personally take part, beginning right now by knowing what your rights are. On election day, you won’t have an effect unless you vote. It’s important that you work together to make sure that your votes are counted.

“As we get ready for your elections, one of the most important things is that there is level-playing field, meaning that no officials, no security forces, no electoral officials, no politicians seek to influence you in a way that is not consistent with Nigerian law.

“Elections are only one part of the democratic process. The words and the actions that happen in these final days and all the work of government afterwards, are as important to democracy as the elections themselves.

“So, in a nutshell, know your rights. Two, Vote and exercise them. Three, if you work for the government or for a party, make sure you remember that it is your individual responsibility to act consistently with the laws.

“And remember that elections are only one part of democracy. And on this level-playing field, it is incredibly important that there has to be a path for the future for every Nigerian. Whatever your faith or language or where you come from, finding your path forward together is the heart of democracy; it’s the heart of freedom. It’s the hope for free enterprise and free people. And it’s Nigeria’s future.”