As Nigeria holds its general elections on March 28 and April 11, a peaceful conduct of free and fair elections will serve as an inspiration to other countries in the region and the world, Ambasador Maria-Leisner, Secretary General of Community of Democracies has said.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Maria-Leisner said only a credible election will testify that democratic dialogue is stronger than violent attempts by fanatics to take advantage of the pluralistic nature of the country to ruin it.
The international organisation stated that the Nigerian government, political actors and
citizens should know that the international community is closely observing, and expecting her to reconfirm and demonstrate its “democratic leadership in the region.”
“A peaceful conduction of democratic, free and fair elections will serve as an inspiration to other countries in the region and in the world. It will prove that democratic dialogue is stronger than violent attempts by extremists to ruin the pluralistic social tissue of a Country. It will pave the way for a citizen-led, secure and sustainable future for Nigeria and for the continent,” Maria-Leisner stated in the statement.
The Ambassador said the Nigerian elections command global and regional impact.
“Given the global and regional impact of the Nigerian elections, the Secretary General follows developments closely and looks forward to the continuation of the country’s fruitful, constructive and important participation in the Community of Democracies in the hope of welcoming it as the organization’s next Presidency,” Maria-Leisner stated while expressing hope of a peaceful conduct during the elections.
