The announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of a six-week postponement of Nigeria's general elections on security grounds has received condemnation from the international community. According to the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, it is wrong to use security as an excuse to shift the election date. The US diplomat noted that the the eyes of the international community will be fixed on Nigeria as the nation prepares to go to the polls on the new date announced by INEC. He further stated that “The United States underscores the importance of ensuring that there are no further delays.
“As I reaffirmed when I visited Lagos last month, we support a free, transparent, and credible electoral process in Nigeria and renew our calls on all candidates, their supporters, and Nigerian citizens to maintain calm and reject election-related violence,” Kerry said.
The decision to postpone the election also came under criticism from the British government. A statement released on the website of the Foreign Office said the Foreign Secretary, Phillip Hammond, noted that “The decision by the Nigerian Electoral Commission to postpone the presidential elections is a cause for concern.
“The Nigerian people have the right to credible, peaceful and transparent elections. There should be no further delay in delivering democracy and I urge all to remain calm during this period of frustration.
“While we support Nigeria in its struggle against terrorism, the security situation should not be used as a reason to deny the Nigerian people from exercising their democratic rights. It is vital that the elections are kept on track and held as soon as possible in accordance with international norms”, the statement read.
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