The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the way he handled the April polls beginning with the Senate and House of Representatives election last Saturday.

In a Press statement signed by the National Vice President of the Congress, Issa Aremu, the congress said the President’s consistent support for INEC’s independence is commendable, notwithstanding the national postponement of the elections on April 2, and the cowardly act of bombers in Suleja on the eve of the election which claimed many lives.

“Truly, the President so far delivered on his promise of free and fair election which had seen his political party like other political parties winning some seats and losing some seats in the concluded Senate and the House of Representatives polls”, the statement said.

Mr Aremu also gave credit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Attahiru Jega. According to him, “INEC has shown sufficient sensitivity to the outcries of voters on some observed shortcomings in the past. The pro-active press briefings of INEC last Thursday notifying the nation about areas of shortcomings where election would not hold was commendable. That singular proactive step minimised avoidable costs.

Praises for INEC

“Last Saturday’s election shows significant and commendable improvement on the part of INEC’s service delivery. However, INEC will not be totally discharged until it carries the same spirit and energy for the subsequent Presidential/governorship/House of Assembly polls. INEC and security agencies should further deepen the integrity of the process.”

The NLC also commended all candidates that lost and have accepted the outcome of the elections. The congress described the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole who acknowledged an electoral loss and promptly saluted his opponent who won, as the real hero of the historic poll.

Mr Aremu said: “Dimeji Bankole is the true face of Nigeria’s democratic renaissance. He that accepts legitimate defeat is the true ‘winner’. Dimeji’s remark that ‘the race was not a life-and-death duel. Of more importance is the building, maintenance and development of our democratic institutions and processes toward true national development and greatness’ should become a new mantra for all contestants in subsequent elections.”

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EU Observers Express Encouragement at Nigeria’s Legislative Elections

The head of the European Union Election Observation Mission said the weekend legislative elections in Nigeria represented a positive step in the country’s fledgling democracy.

Alojz Peterle said his group found the overall conduct of the election encouraging.

“This election was done in a good atmosphere. It is important that generally, the atmosphere was peaceful and that a majority of the polling stations were operational,” he said.

But the process was not without its hiccups, said Peterle, noting areas he says need improvement.

“We observed some problems with the voter register then some inconsistencies in implementation of the electoral procedure. We also saw underage voting…and a lack of display of results at different levels. We are particularly sensitive to these elements of election process, which could influence the final outcome,” he said.

The chief observer said he hopes the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the legislative elections is maintained to instill “continued trust” in the electoral process.

“Of course the presidential elections are considered to be more important. But, if what we saw on Saturday is the basis for expectations, then we will wish that this peaceful atmosphere is maintained” he said.

Peterle said his team and international counterparts have requested to meet with INEC chairman Attahiru Jega.

INEC spokesman Nick Dazan says the electoral body will continue to improve the electoral processes for this week’s presidential vote as well as future elections.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/EU-Observers-Express-Encouragement-at-Nigerias-Legislative-Elections--119627024.html