The United States of
America has declared it is interested in the outcome of the governorship
election in Bayelsa scheduled for November 16 and, as such, would play a role
to ensure it is free and fair.
The consul-general of
the US, Claire Pierangelo, said this while speaking with some journalists on
Wednesday, November 13.
According to her, the
US will further ensure the exercise is peaceful just as she noted the country’s
commitment to free and fair elections in Nigeria. “It is our desire to see
nothing less during the November 16th election in Bayelsa state,” she said
adding that the US had contributed to Nigeria by strengthening the latter’s
election process since 1999.
Noting that the US had also engaged in
technical assistance to Nigeria’s election institutions as well as civil
society,the consul-general further explained that the US had continued to
ensure the prevention of election-related violence in the country.
Pierangelo explained
that she had met with top candidates in the election as well as leaders of
parties in Bayelsa state concerning the forthcoming election. She added: “We
will work closely with our colleagues and partners in the international
community to promote a credible process that will benefit the people of
Bayelsa. “It is also critical that the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC)operates free from outside pressure and intimidation and in a
totally objective manner.”
