Secretary-General, Noting Bold Electoral Reforms in Nigeria, Says Successful Conduct

of Forthcoming Elections Will Strengthen Democracy, Advance Development

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is encouraged by the progress achieved by Nigeria in consolidating its democracy and hopes that the forthcoming elections — the fourth held in a row since the restoration of constitutional order in 1999 — will meet the high expectations of the Nigerian people and the international community.  The Secretary-General notes that bold electoral reforms have been undertaken, including significant investments in a new voter registry and other activities designed to promote credible and transparent elections.

The Secretary-General calls on Nigeria’s authorities to uphold their commitment to violence-free elections and to a level playing field that enhances public trust in the electoral process.  He encourages the political parties to respect the electoral Code of Conduct they willingly adopted, and to uphold their commitment to tolerance, inclusiveness and peace during the electoral process.

The Secretary-General stresses that the successful conduct of these elections would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, advance its socioeconomic development, and enable the country to continue to play its leading role in the promotion of regional peace, security and economic integration.

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For information media • not an official record