In addition to high-level engagement
with INEC officials to discuss INEC’s
preparation and implementations plans
for the 2019 elections, U.S. officials
have also met with political leaders,
civil society representatives and
traditional leaders to discuss concerns
about political violence and encourage
politicians to make public peace pledges.
U.S. representatives have advocated
for interventions that enfranchise as
many legitimate voters as possible,
including women, youth, internally
displaced persons (IDPs), and people
with disabilities.
A Vote Not Fight
volunteer supports the
U.S position for free,
fair, transparent and
inclusive elections in
2019
and members of political parties
to promote credible and peaceful
elections.
U.S. Engagement with Key Election
Stakeholders
Given Nigeria’s political and economic
importance within Africa and the
world, it is critically important that
its upcoming elections serve as a
democratic example. During the
past year, the U.S. Mission has urged
key political actors to refrain from
violence and to offer voters a clear
vision coupled with detailed policies
to move the state forward. Senior
U.S. officials have also met with
election stakeholders to emphasize
the importance of proficiently run
elections. To that end the Mission
has supported INEC in its efforts
in modernizing and increasing the
capabilities of its personnel.
Recognizing the need for an election
season in which violence does not call
into question electoral credibility, does
not impede the ability of citizens to
peacefully participate in the electoral
process, or threaten the stability of the
country, Mission Nigeria has engaged
with like-minded ambassadors to stress
the need for peaceful elections.
Since the media plays a crucial role in
providing accurate information to help
citizens make their decisions, the U.S.
Mission has given support to Nigerian
journalists. It has provided elections
related information and workshops to
members of the press - from television,
radio, newspapers, and online
platforms – from all across Nigeria.
The workshops have stressed the
importance of fact-based, balanced and
unbiased reporting. The Mission has
also consistently advocated against any
attempts to silence journalists, online
activists, and bloggers and/or suppress
peaceful assembly and protest. .
Looking Forward to the 2019 Elections
Deputy Chief of Mission, David
Young led the U.S. observation team
during the Osun state elections
6
CROSSROADS | December 2018/January 2019
President Muhammadu Buhari (APC),
will face former vice president Atiku
Abubakar (PDP) in a hotly contested
election. Will the polling show that the
democratic process of 2015 was the
new normal, or only an aberration in
Nigeria’s historically-troubled political
evolution? For this bellwether country,
the continent’s largest and richest
democracy, the 2019 elections will
test the government’s commitment
to transparency and democratic
institutions.