Commonwealth election observers in the next months general election, on Monday, in Abuja, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to display integrity, impartiality and technical competence in the way the commission would handle the forthcoming elections.The observers noted that it was imperative that the process leading up to, during and after the elections was transparent, fair violence free and credible.Speaking while addressing journalists, the leader of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) and former Botswana president, Festus Mogae, maintained that going by the fact that the 2007 elections were flawed, it was imperative that the country wrote a new electoral chapter and restored public confidence in its democratic institutions and processes.He, however, observed that in order to achieve the result, all stakeholders had to play their roles in that quest.He said: We hope that INEC can set the example by displaying integrity, impartiality and technical competence. We look to the political parties to respect the rules of the game, to focus on the issues and to reject violence. We look to the people of Nigeria to show the way by participating in large numbers in the democratic process and choosing freely and fairly those who will govern them.Democracy and good governance are core Commonwealth principles, which our observer group is constituted to promote and uphold. These elections are crucially important for the people of Nigeria, as they elect their representatives; it is imperative that the electoral process is transparent, fair, violence-free and credible.Our task is to observe and report on relevant aspects of the organisation and conduct of the elections and also on the environment in which the elections are held. The group will consider all the factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole, and assess whether the elections have been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Nigeria has committed itself, with reference to its own election-related legislation as well as relevant regional, Commonwealth and other international commitments.We will consider, among other things, whether or not: conditions exist for free and competitive elections; the electoral commission is independent and effective; the voter register provides for universal suffrage; state institutions and public media are impartial; there is a level playing field in the campaign and that the campaign is free of violence; voters are free to express their will; and, the results process is transparent.In conducting our duties and undertaking our assessment, we will be impartial, objective and independent. Commonwealth observers are present here in their individual capacities as eminent and experienced Commonwealth citizens and the intent of the group is to help further strengthen the democratic process in the country.
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