Don’t politicise security challenge, EU cautions FG

 
The European Union Election Observation Mission, has expressed concern over the postponement of the polls and cautioned the Federal Government that security, though critical, should not be political.
The mission challenged the security agencies to offer full support to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the electorate to
exercise their franchise on March 28 and April 11,2015.
The EUEOM Chief Observer, Santiago Fisas,  in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, acknowledged the different views about INEC’s postponement of the general elections by respective security chiefs who unanimously reiterated that safe elections could not be guaranteed at this time.
He said, “We are seriously concerned at this delay and the reason given. Security is critical but must not be political. People have to be able to vote, elections have to be held so that government is accountable. We look to the security agencies to give full support to INEC and all the people of Nigeria in the holding of polls on 28 March and 11 April.”
While commending the peaceful reactions to the polls postponement,  Fisas stated that the EU would continue to monitor the electoral process  in Nigeria.
He encouraged all the political parties, candidates and stakeholders to consider the extra time as an opportunity to prepare for the elections.
“The EU EOM commends the peaceful reaction so far to the postponement and will continue observing the electoral process.  We encourage all political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to consider the extra time as an opportunity to further prepare for the election days. More voters can collect their Permanent Voter Cards, candidates can elaborate on their proposed policies,” the EU Chief Observer said.
Fisas emphasized that  for  citizens to have confidence in the electoral process, the polls should not be further delayed, stressing that the people need to know this and to see what is being done by the different authorities to make this happen.
“We will be here in different parts of the country observing the next crucial weeks in the run up to the election and beyond,” he promised.