Polls shift: Security must not be political – EU Chief Observer

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation mission, Mr. Santiago Fisas has said, though security was critical to successful polls in the country, but it must not be political.

Mr. Fisas stated this in a press statement released in Abuja yesterday by the Observation Mission. He noted that the body was seriously concerned on the elections postponement noting that elections must be held to make government accountable.

His words, “We are seriously concerned at this delay and the reason given. Security is critical but must not be political. People have to be able to vote, elections have to be held so that government is accountable”.

The Spanish born parliamentarian informed that they are looking unto the security agencies to give full support to INEC and all the people of Nigeria in the holding of polls on 28 March and 11 April.

He said the Observation Mission will continue observing the elections in Nigeria despite the recent development.

Fisas said the team acknowledges the different views about INEC's postponement of the general elections to 28 March and 11 April, following statements by respective security chiefs who unanimously reiterated that safe elections could not be guaranteed at this time.

Continuing, he informed that the EU EOM commends the peaceful reaction so far to the postponement and will continue observing the electoral process, while encouraging all political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to consider the extra time as an opportunity to further prepare for the election days.

“More voters can collect their Permanent Voters Cards, candidates can elaborate on their proposed policies”, said Chief Observer.

 He further advised that the polls should not be delayed again in order to rekindle electorate hope in the political arrangement.

Fisas emphasized “For citizens to have confidence in the electoral process, the polls should not be further delayed. People need to know this and to see what is being done by the different authorities to make this happen. We will be here in different parts of the country observing the next crucial weeks in the run up to the election and beyond.”

It should be recalled that the European Union was invited to deploy an observation mission by the Nigerian authorities and has signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The EU EOM is independent from any EU institutions or Member States and is committed to remain neutral and abide by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct, as well as the laws of Nigeria.