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The UK reaffirms its commitment to sanction violators of the electoral process.

Published

1 year ago

February 22, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

The UK reaffirms its commitment to sanction violators of the electoral process.

The United Kingdom Minister of State for Development & Africa, Andrew Mitchell, says

Nigeria matters to the UK, and the country is closely following the run-up to these Presidential,

National Assembly and Gubernatorial elections.

In a statement ahead of this Saturday’s forthcoming General Election, Andrew states over the last

two months, he has met four of the presidential candidates and the Chairman of INEC. He has emphasised

support for the process and the Uks commitment to a strong relationship between the two countries.

The UK reaffirms its commitment to sanction violators of the electoral process.

The statement explains that the UK Government will continue to work closely with INEC and the Nigerian

civil society partners to provide advisory support on electoral and legal reforms, strengthen democratically

institutions, and advocate for the importance of civil society engagement in electoral and democratic

processes to help deliver credible elections.

It maintains that it is vital for Nigeria’s stability and democratic consolidation that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible.

The statement encourage all actors in Nigeria to intervene proactively to calm any tensions and prevent violence in the periods before, during and after the elections.

It says where the UK is aware of attempts to subvert democratic processes at the National or State level, it is prepared to take action against those who engage in or incite electoral violence and other anti-democratic behaviours.