United States Congress woman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued a press statement on Nigerian Presidential Election. She blasted and condemned the country’s electoral body INEC “over the delays and serious allegations of irregularities, including fraud, prematurely pronouncing a winner.”
Below is the Press Release:
Rep. Omar Statement on Presidential Election in Nigeria
March 3, 2023
Press Release
WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) released the following statement on the recent presidential election in Nigeria.
“I am deeply concerned over the delays and serious allegations of irregularities, including fraud, by multiple independent observers in the recent Nigerian presidential election.
“I urge full transparency and swift action from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), along with a full accounting of allegations of voter suppression, delayed poll openings, the failure of the new electronic voting system, and a sharp decline in turnout.
“Democracy rests on free, fair, and transparent elections. When elections are not fair, open, and transparent, it’s disenfranchising and shatters faith in government. Nigeria’s low turnout already suggests a lack of faith in the country’s democratic institutions. It is critical that the process plays out correctly.
“Allowing electoral challenges to go through the system is a key part of a functioning democratic process. It is also a way to help build confidence and avoid protracted conflict.
“The international community should support an independent and transparent process and wait until these challenges are resolved before prematurely pronouncing a winner.”
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