The United States has said it is disappointed by the low voter turnout and reports of voter intimidation, vote -buying, interference by security forces and violence in some locations during Nigeria’s 2019 elections.
But the Independent National Electoral Commission in its reaction to the US assessment of the elections said there could never be any perfect election anywhere in the world.
However, the US admonished all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful process, especially for those who would participate in Saturday’s supplementary elections in some states.
The US Embassy in a statement in Abuja on Thursday commended Nigerians’ commitment to the democratic process, noting that it would continue to follow closely the ongoing polls.
It said, “As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow closely the ongoing elections. We do not have a preferred party or candidate.
“As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary reports, we too were disappointed by the low voter turnout as well as credible reports of voter intimidation, vote-buying, interference by security forces, and violence in some locations.
“We are saddened by those acts of violence and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, including those who worked for the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security services.”
Stating that it had no preferred candidate, the mission expressed support for a democratic process “where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results.”
