Be involved on Election Day, US envoy urges Nigerians

With less than 15 days to the 2023 election, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, on Friday urged all registered voters to be involved on election day to choose the next leaders of the country.

Leonard stated this in her election OP-ED “The Elections Are Almost Here. It’s Up to You to Choose Your Next Leaders”

The envoy said the United States had confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission would conduct credible and transparent elections.

Applauding the use of Bimodal Voter Authentication System on election day, she said “The US government applauds that Act, which formally granted INEC the ability to use BVAS to accredit voters and transmit election results electronically.

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“This type of system is a proven method to significantly reduce the potential for electoral fraud.”

Leonard emphasised that the US does not support any single candidate, adding that “we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions against those responsible, or complicit in undermining the democratic process in the past, and remain willing to do so again going forward.”

She therefore advised that all registered voters to go out and cast their votes.

The Ambassador noted, “Elections are a celebration of freedom and choice. The Nigerian people are fortunate to live in a country where they hold the power to determine the country’s next leader, but with that comes the responsibility to be involved, informed, and make their votes count. The U.S. Embassy urges all registered Nigerians to vote in the elections of February and March.

“Since 1999, Nigeria has demonstrated a strong commitment to peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections. Having arrived in Nigeria over three years ago, I’ve witnessed critical changes that reinforce elections that can reflect the will of its citizens.

“The U.S. also welcomes the work of the National Peace Committee, a vital player in helping to ensure that the electoral process is carried out in an environment of calm and respect for the rights of others. I was among the many observers at the late September signing of the first of the NPC’s two peace accords, and was reassured by the pledge of all 18 political parties and presidential tickets to run campaigns free of violence and inflammatory rhetoric.

“As election day nears, I urge the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge. There will soon be another opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the democratic process by signing the second peace accord, in which they pledge to accept the results of the elections as announced by INEC.

“I would like to conclude by emphasising that the United States does not support any single candidate. Our only interest is in a fair democratic process that reflects the will of the Nigerian people. Participating in elections is a key freedom that many people in countries around the world do not have. No matter which political party you support, your vote matters. Go vote in February and March 2023. In doing so, you will make Nigeria proud as a leader and beacon for democracy.”