2019: EU Urges Speedy Passage Of Legal Framework For Elections

The European Union (EU) has called on the National Assembly to
speed up the passage of the legal framework that will govern the
2019 general elections and ensure there are no uncertainties in the
process.

The head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador
Ketil Karlsen, who disclosed this in a statement made available to
newsmen yesterday, said a timely conclusion of the amendments to
the Electoral Act would place the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and other key stakeholders on a stronger footing
to deliver credible elections.

Karlsen, who described the 2019 general elections as a pivotal
moment that allows the country to take important steps to
consolidate its democracy and strengthen the electoral process
said, EU would continue its partnership with the Nigerian
government in the ongoing electoral reform process with a view to
enhancing the quality and participation of all Nigerians in this
very important process.

“The European Union is committed to strengthening the capacity
to conduct well-managed elections and with ample participation of
all Nigerians. For this to happen, all must contribute, from the
key institutions to the political parties and candidates, from
media to civil society,” he said.

Recall that the EU recently launched a €26.5m programme aimed at
promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the
country, in reaffirmation of its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s
electoral process. The programme tagged EU Support to Democratic
Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), is funded under the 11th European
Development Programme (EDF), over a five year period.

The overall objective of the EU-SDGN is to contribute to the
reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through building strong,
effective and legitimate democratic institutions. Inclusive,
participatory and transparent elections are a pre-requisite for a
strong democracy.

The project will be targeting key stakeholders in the democratic
process, including INEC, the National Assembly, the political
parties, women, youth, vulnerable groups, and the media.

The European Union (EU) has called on the National Assembly to
speed up the passage of the legal framework that will govern the
2019 general elections and ensure there are no uncertainties in the
process.

The head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador
Ketil Karlsen, who disclosed this in a statement made available to
newsmen yesterday, said a timely conclusion of the amendments to
the Electoral Act would place the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and other key stakeholders on a stronger footing
to deliver credible elections.

Karlsen, who described the 2019 general elections as a pivotal
moment that allows the country to take important steps to
consolidate its democracy and strengthen the electoral process
said, EU would continue its partnership with the Nigerian
government in the ongoing electoral reform process with a view to
enhancing the quality and participation of all Nigerians in this
very important process.

“The European Union is committed to strengthening the capacity
to conduct well-managed elections and with ample participation of
all Nigerians. For this to happen, all must contribute, from the
key institutions to the political parties and candidates, from
media to civil society,” he said.

Recall that the EU recently launched a €26.5m programme aimed at
promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the
country, in reaffirmation of its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s
electoral process. The programme tagged EU Support to Democratic
Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), is funded under the 11th European
Development Programme (EDF), over a five year period.

The overall objective of the EU-SDGN is to contribute to the
reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through building strong,
effective and legitimate democratic institutions. Inclusive,
participatory and transparent elections are a pre-requisite for a
strong democracy.

The project will be targeting key stakeholders in the democratic
process, including INEC, the National Assembly, the political
parties, women, youth, vulnerable groups, and the media.