The
world takes notice when Nigerians, citizens of Africa’s largest
democracy, decide. By participating peacefully and enthusiastically in
the recent electoral processes in March and April, millions of you stood
strong to re-affirm Nigeria as a leader for democracy in Africa — and
around the world. It was an honour for me to lead the United States
observer mission during the presidential and National Assembly elections
last month. Today, I join the chorus congratulating you and the
Independent National Electoral Commission on the April 11 vote, which
built upon the earlier successes in March.
Many Nigerians
waited for hours, in sun and rain, to cast their ballots and see their
votes counted. When I spoke with voters, I was struck not only by their
patience, but also by their determination to show Nigeria’s dedication
to democracy and to democratic principles. Elections are ultimately
about people—the volunteers and poll workers who manage polling
stations, the party candidates and supporters who craft policies and
political platforms, the civil society activists who work for
transparency, the journalists who report on the campaigns and events on
Election Day, the political leaders who accept victory or concede
defeat, especially when stepping down is in the country’s best interest.
It is about those men and women who shared their stories with me as
they stood in line and those members of the security agencies who
remained neutral and vigilantly guarded against fraud and intimidation.
Again, we salute you all.
I especially want to
reiterate President Barack Obama’s accolades for the INEC Chairman,
Attahiru Jega. Under Jega’s steadfast leadership, the staff of INEC
succeeded in conducting a generally smooth electoral process and making
improvements between March 28 and April 11. We commend INEC for its
extensive efforts to increase credibility and transparency in the
electoral process, including through the use of technology. Despite some
technical glitches, it is clear that technology and use of social media
— INEC’s online posting of results for each polling unit, live tweeting
of results, the use of biometric permanent voter cards and electronic
card readers—improved efficiency and limited fraud. I encourage Nigeria
and other nations to continue to explore the use of relevant
technologies in future elections.
This electoral process,
however, was not without violence and irregularities in a number of
states. Some individuals worked to undermine the will of the Nigerian
people, interfering with electoral processes and resorting to violence
and voter intimidation. We regret any loss of life and destruction of
property. As Secretary of State, John Kerry, said when he visited
Nigeria in January, violence and rigging have no place in democratic
elections. Anyone found to have incited violence or interfered with
electoral processes will be unwelcome in the US and subject to visa
sanctions.
When President Obama spoke to you last month, he said
successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet the
urgent challenges you face today. Now more than ever, it is up to all
Nigerians to stay united so that Nigeria can move forward with a clear
set of priorities for the future. We welcome the commitments made by
both President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to
work closely together in order to ensure a smooth transition to the new
government.
This next phase is critical as the world continues
its hopeful watch for what happens in Nigeria. Indeed, because you
showed up, stood in line, and respected the results of elections even
when you may have disagreed with the outcome, Nigeria will serve as an
example to other African countries and nations elsewhere in the world
preparing for elections. Nigerian democracy will be a beacon across the
continent and beyond.
With deep appreciation for the long
friendship and partnership between our two great countries, the US looks
forward to the inauguration on May 29 and the beginning of a new
chapter in our relationship. We are deeply committed to working with
you, the Nigerian people, for many years to come. Nigeria, you made us
all proud!
Linda Thomas-Greenfield,
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
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