EU cautions Politicians against  violence

In preparations towards the coming elections ahead of the September 28 commencement of campaigns,  the European Union (EU) yesterday cautioned politicians to avoid hate speeches and other actions capable of affecting the outcome of next year’s elections.

It also enjoined politicians not to interfere in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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The union which yesterday launched a €39m support fund for strengthening  Nigeria’s democracy, said next year’s poll was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

The launch of the fund known as Phase II of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) marked the closure of the first phase.

The programme is meant to support the government and key stakeholders, including the Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), the  National Assembly, political parties, judiciary, media, Civil Society Organisations(CSOs), and security agencies.

While Phase I of the programme implemented from 2017 to 2022, coincided with the 2015-2019 and 2019-2023 electoral cycles, Phase II will cover the 2023-2027 electoral cycle.

The admonition by the EU and the launch of the second phase of the support fund coincided with the Federal Government’s reassurance of its commitment to free and fair elections in the country.

Head of the EU delegation to Nigeria and the  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),   Samuela Isopi, said politicians should make their campaigns issue-based   and take a firm stance against violence and hate speeches

Isopi said: “We must all support and respect the fundamentals as INEC  fulfills its constitutional mandate. INEC must be allowed to operate free from outside pressure, and in turn, must demonstrate full neutrality and professionalism.

“Tremendous progress has been achieved. The new electoral act is a major step forward and its full implementation together with the technical reforms introduced by INEC have the potential to make the 2023 general election a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“We hope that everybody will make the right choices for Nigeria. The EU is ready to do its part. Nigerian authorities have already invited the EU to deploy an Election Observation Mission, as we have consistently and regularly done since 1999.”  ,

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Stating that the outcome of the elections in 2023 was for Nigerians to decide, she maintained that Nigeria had the responsibility to lead and inspire other democracies in Africa.

“As the largest democracy in Africa, elections in Nigeria matter. They matter to Nigeria and Nigerians, they also matter for Africa as their outcome will be watched and felt well beyond its borders,” the EU boss added.

Isopi also said that the EU was “particularly keen to see greater participation of  youths, women, and people with disabilities,

“The mobilisation we have been witnessing across the country, especially among the youth to register in view of the next elections is a strong sign. it is a message from the Nigerians, from the youth in particular, that they believe in democracy.

(Nation)