Our eyes focused on vote-buying, say EU observers

The European Union (EU) Election Observers have said that they would monitor today’ s governorship election in Osun State with an eye on vote – buying.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria , Mr . Ketil Karlsen, who said this at a news conference yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital , added that the EU was hopeful that the modalities put in place by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) to check vote – buying during the election would yield positive results .

While commending INEC on its preparation, Karlsen said the global community would be watching the conduct of the election , being the last before next year’ s general elections, noting that over 28 diplomatic observers from different countries were in the state for the election , as EU was committed to the continued consolidation of democracy in Nigeria .

“ We are neutral in this election ; we are not here to promote any candidate or political party. But we are here to promote the process that would lead to credible , free and fair elections in Nigeria and we hope to see a credible election .

“ We are also here to see stability and continuity in Nigeria ,” Karlsen said .
Also speaking , the Political Councillor, British High Commission , Mr . Dominic Williams , said today’ s election would be a signal to the general elections, adding that the EU would be watching to see how the election would be conducted and its impact on the general elections.

“ We want free , fair and credible elections and we want candidates to show respect for the rule of the game and shun violence .

“ We also appeal to the more the 1 .2 million people that have collected their Permanent Voter Cards to come out en masse to vote,” Williams said.
In his remarks, Deputy Chief of Mission , United States (US ) Embassy David Young, said the US was committed to transparent and credible elections in Nigeria and the EU would continue to support the process that would promote peaceful elections .

While commending INEC for what it had done so far, Young urged the security agencies to be neutral in the election .