ELECTION POSTPONEMENT ...

INEC: POLLS’ POSTPONEMENT NOT POLITICALLY INFLUENCED

CDHR calls for probe The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) condemned the postponement and demanded a probe to unravel the issues behind the development. A statement by CDHR President Malachy Ugwummadu said the shift “cast serious shadow on the credibility and integrity of the entire election process.”

The group also demanded, “Appropriate sanction to relevant persons who failed in their responsibility and consequently took this decision in order to serve as a deterrent,” saying, “Consideration for decentralisation and unbundling of INEC along the multifaceted responsibilities of that commission have now become imperative.”

ECOWAS, AU, EU, UN, others call for calm The international poll observers expressed concern over the election postponement, but called for calm.

In a joint statement, they said, “We, the Heads of the international election observation missions and the United Nations present in Nigeria, have taken note of the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the 2019 general elections due to logistical and operational challenges. While we note that this decision has caused disappointment for many, we call on all Nigerians to continue to remain calm and supportive of the electoral process as INEC works to implement its new timeline. We urge INEC to use this time to finalise all preparations and ensure that the new election dates are strictly adhered to. We encourage INEC to provide regular updates and information to the public on its preparations in the coming days and weeks to enhance confidence and trust in the process. As we continue to closely observe preparations across the country, we stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria in their desire for credible and peaceful elections.”

The statement was signed by Economic Community of West African States Election Observation Mission - Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia; African Union Election Observation Mission - His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Commonwealth Observer Group - His Excellency Dr Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania; and Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa Election Observation Mission - His Excellency Rupiah Banda, Former President of Zambia.

Others are European Union Election Observation Mission - Maria Arena, Belgian Member of the European Parliament;