United Kingdom has challenged authorities in Nigeria to do more in tackling some of the challenges facing the electoral process.
UK also tasked political parties to abide by the rules guiding electoral process.
A statement yesterday by the Secretary of the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Penny Maudaunt, also called for an issue-based campaign with focus from all candidates on national interest and long term sustainability.
The statement reads: โNigeria is Africaโs biggest, and one of its most vibrant democracies. It has made huge progress in recent years ensuring credible, free, fair and peaceful elections.
โIt is vital to Nigeria, her people and to the confidence of the international community that this continues as the country heads towards elections in 2019
โI have just met with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and heard how UK support has been instrumental in the election preparations.
โDuring this visit, I had the opportunity to meet with civil society groups and hear about their efforts to ensure that women, Persons with Disabilities and young people are able to embrace politics and to feel that have a voice and a choice.
โThis past weekend, citizens of Ekiti went to the polls and voted for a new Governor.
โThe British High Commissioner was joined by the EU Ambassador and US Consul General who led an international group of observers at those elections.
โThough the elections were largely peaceful and results widely endorsed by key stakeholders, vote buying by both the main political parties was widely criticised.
โThere is time to tackle some of the challenges noted before next yearโs elections.
โBut INEC will not be able to solve all electoral problems on its own. Everyone in society has a role to play and a contribution to make.
โPolitical parties must respect a code of conduct adhering to the highest standards.
โWe encourage security agencies to remain visibly neutral and ensure a safe and secure environment for the electorate.
โNigerians are entitled to an issues-based campaign with focus from all candidates on Nigeriaโs national interest and long term sustainability.โ
It went on: โI know people can get passionate about politics; in the UK, we have some lively debates inside and outside of Parliament. Even within a party, we donโt always agree on what the position should be.
โBut one of the fundamental principles of democracy is the very freedom to hold different views without fear of violence, prejudice or divisiveness, and for our society to be stronger because of it.
โThis is vital for Nigeriaโs reputation and stability as well as to protect and further enhance the business and economic conditions for investment and sustained growth.
โWhatever the outcome next year, the elections are Nigeriaโs opportunity to demonstrate progress towards strengthening democracy. I am confident that this ambition is within reach.
โI am therefore calling on political leaders, the media and Nigerians at large to act responsibly and use their platforms to urge the people to exercise their democratic right, and to do so within the law.
โI look forward to the upcoming election, and the invigorated, energetic and engaging public debate that will precede it.โ
