The United States called on Nigeria Thursday to give poll observers "full and transparent access" to presidential elections this month that will mark the country's first transfer of power from one civilian to another.

"We encourage the electoral authorities and government to take all possible measures to enhance public confidence in the elections," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.

"These steps should include the immediate granting of full and transparent access for domestic and international electoral observers," he said.

Elections for state governorships and assemblies are scheduled for April 14 while presidential and National Assembly elections are set for April 21.

The run-up to the elections have been marred by violence, with five people killed this week in clashes between political rivals.

And a key rival to outgoing President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has been barred by the electoral commission from running for the presidency.

McCormack rejected suggestions that Washington was ignoring opposition charges that the ruling party of Obasanjo, a US ally who steps down in May after 16 years in power, was using intimidation and legal maneuvers to limit slates of candidates in the polls.

"In no way, shape or form," McCormack said, noting that the US government had spent some 15 million dollars over the past three years to train election authorities and poll watchers in Nigeria ahead of the votes.

"The United States is a committed supporter of free, fair and open elections in Nigeria," he said.

But McCormack acknowledged that Nigeria was "trying to move beyond its past where the credibility of some of those elections came into doubt among outside observers."

"We have talked to the Nigerians periodically about the importance of having the right kinds of elections," he said, adding that this meant polls that are "free, fair and transparent, not only on election day but also in the run-up to the election."

Nigeria's presidential election will mark the first transition from one civilian government to another in the oil-rich west African nation of 140 million.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070412/pl_afp/nigeriapoliticsvoteus&printer=1;_ylt=AtyRmyRlCrpt2pBy1WncQLqtOrgF

Why? Is it because they love us and want what's best for us?

I'm 100% for this!

Just scrutinise and keep your eyes on the Zeros behind Millions they claim they spend. They don't care if you rot or burn.

This Americans will only like to be seen in a good light. If it appears good and benefits us we Go public on it.

The Whole issue lies on the integrity of the leadership. without the leader there will be no way we can move forward. We have some people that have a High integrity in Nigeria but they have to contend with very corrupt people.

Hmm if that will do for a free and fair election.Why not?

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"In no way, shape or form," McCormack said, noting that the US government had spent some 15 million dollars over the past three years to train election authorities and poll watchers in Nigeria ahead of the votes.

$15M for what? They should tell us exactly where the money went.

They should go and train there own election authorities, after all the election that brought BUsh to power was rigged

9ja4eva,

Hmm if that will do for a free and fair election.Why not?

Thanks for that submission. Is it not with the help of this same U.S. that OBJ was not able to foister his evil third term agenda on Nigeria? When the power of diplomacy is used we complain, and when diplomacy is exhausted and war eusues, we also complain. Na qwa o.

Yes oh.I even believe with the US coming in to monitor the elections.It will be decent to a point.Well its jst hours away

We don't need the US to help us out.

United loves and taking credits for everything.

We wldnt need them if INEC was capable bt its a pity dey r not.Lets c wat happens anyway.

If it means that Atiku won't rig the elections, then why shouldn't they monitor

PDP is set to unleash terror.I regret having IWU as INEC chairman.Hes jst so so not up to the task.Vote well oh