2019: EU, UK, US, 22 countries speak on violence, vote-buying, intimidating

The international community has spoken against violence, intimidation
and vote-buying as campaigns for the 2019 elections kicked off on
Sunday.

The international community also called for campaigns devoid of hate speech.

They further pointed out that the Independent Electoral Commission,
INEC, must be allowed to operate freely, adding that the commission
must demonstrate neutrality and professionalism.

The International Community also reiterated its commitment to
supporting democracy in Nigeria, urging political and non-political
actors to take a firm stance against violence.

Signatories to a statement in Abuja yesterday include the European
Union (Delegation to Nigeria), France, Germany, United Kingdom, United
States, Australia, Austria and Bulgaria. Others were Canada, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia,
Spain and Sweden.

It reads, "As friends of Nigeria and its people, we will follow the
campaigns and election process closely. Who wins the elections is for
the Nigerian people to decide. Our concern is to see a process leading
to free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections.

"We hope to see transparent campaigns and we urge all voters to use
their democratic right and vote. We are particularly keen to see
greater participation of women, youth and people living with
disabilities.

"We urge all involved, political and non-political actors, to refrain
from using hate speech and take a firm stance against violence.

"The 2015 Peace Accords played an important role in that regard and we
welcome new efforts towards that end. We were gravely concerned over
widespread incidents of intimidation, interference and vote-buying
during the recent gubernatorial elections.

"We were also perturbed by irregularities and violence during party
primaries, and noted with particular concern, that several women
candidates were disenfranchised."

"We reiterate the importance of INEC as it fulfils its constitutional
role. INEC must be allowed to operate free from outside pressure and
intimidation, and in turn must demonstrate full neutrality and
professionalism.

"We encourage that adequate funding is swiftly facilitated for INEC
and supporting institutions and, we hope to see the entry, into force,
of improvements to the Electoral Act, as soon as possible.

"We wish to draw particular attention to the fundamental role of the
security agencies in providing a safe and secure environment for the
Nigerian people to exercise their democratic rights.

"It is vital that security agencies act, and are seen to act, in an
impartial manner that maintains the high standards of professional
conduct.

"We strongly support the principle of media freedom and the vital role
the independent media plays in ensuring informed public debate.

"We also stress the importance of balanced, neutral and non-defamatory
coverage."

"We encourage Nigeria and its people to consolidate and deepen
democracy, building on the standards set in 2015."