The Independent National Electoral Commission has re-scheduled the Nigerian government elections that were supposed to take place on 2nd – 4th April following consultation with the parties and candidates involved because of “the late arrival of results sheets”.
The Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group in Nigeria, Festus Mogae, duly reprimanded INEC for its tardiness:
“We have noted the further postponement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the National Assembly elections, and that the Presidential elections have also now been postponed. We note that the announcement follows consultation with the principal stakeholders. We recognise fully that it is the prerogative of Nigeria’s electoral authorities to make changes to the electoral timetable. We believe, nevertheless, that such repeated and last minute changes are regrettable and do not reflect positively on the state of preparedness of INEC.
“What is important, however, is that the elections take place as now rescheduled, that they are free, fair and credible, that peace and tranquillity are maintained, that all stakeholders conduct themselves responsibly and that the people of Nigeria retain faith in the democratic process.”
The elections have now been re-scheduled as follows:
- Saturday, April 9th 2011 – Senate and House of Representatives (National Assembly) elections.
- Saturday, April 16th 2011 – Presidential election
- Tuesday, April 26th 2011 – State House of Assembly and Governorship elections