Catriona Laing, the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, asserted that the UK government is aiding Nigeria in conducting trustworthy elections in 2023.
This statement was made by Laing, who indicated that the UK would vigilantly oversee the elections in a conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
She conveyed optimism on behalf of the UK government that Nigeria would execute free and fair elections in 2023 following the implementation of the amended Electoral Act.
She stated that by ensuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adhered to the correct protocols and partnering with civil society organizations for advocacy, the UK government has been facilitating the electoral process in Nigeria.
“What I have just mentioned – the advocacy – is demonstrating to Nigerians that we are invested in their democracy and we are observing it.
“In practical terms, for numerous elections, we have been assisting INEC – your electoral authority – to guarantee it has established the requisite systems and procedures. And with each election, we have witnessed INEC enhance its processes.
“We were the collaborator that supported the enactment of the Electoral Act. It was a project we financed through legal advisors to assist you in crafting that Electoral Act while considering global best practices.
“And it has been absolutely pivotal. With the adoption of that, the potential for electronic transmission of votes has led to young individuals feeling significantly more assured that their votes will be recognized.
“So we provided that support, aided civil society, and the YIAGA not too young to run initiative alongside U.S. partners; we advocate for this and have been backing women’s groups particularly, to motivate younger women, more women to aspire for political positions.
“We are promoting voter education, urging voters to recognize the significance of participating in elections. Thus, we are engaged in a variety of ways.
“I must emphasize that we always state that each election, in collaboration with our U.S. partners, we will be monitoring closely; we will keep a vigilant eye on this election both on-site and through alternative methods.
“And if we ascertain that an individual has engaged in violence, whether directly or by inciting disorder, we can utilize our visa program to ensure that such a person is prohibited from entering the UK.
“Thus, we have both negative and positive measures,” Laing stated.
The high commissioner underscored that the visa sanctions imposed on individuals who breach electoral laws remain a highly effective approach to discouraging electoral violence.
She further noted that the political parties back this policy.
“They (visa sanctions) undoubtedly function. Naturally, I cannot disclose specific names, but I assure you we have applied it, and the intention is to dissuade individuals.
“The political parties convey to me that they believe it is effective. In fact, during the previous election, both APC and the PDP indicated they welcomed it.
“We maintain complete impartiality and would implement this against anyone involved in violence,” she stated.
The Nigerian government must take the lead, particularly for the sub-region where democratic transitions are at risk, as observed by the British envoy, who characterized Nigeria’s democracy as vital for the advancement of democratic governance across the African continent.
“Nigeria is the largest democracy in Africa and your region where democracy is regressing.
“Considering the developments in Mali, Guinea, and others, the coups, and the presidents who are refusing to resign at the end of their terms, alongside Nigeria’s progression towards democracy since 1999, you know, it has been tumultuous at times.
“However, you have persisted on that trajectory, and that conveys a very, very significant message to Africa, that if Nigeria can achieve this – the largest democracy in Africa facing all the challenges of having 36 states, and the intricacies of ethnic and religious diversity, and so forth – then they can attain it too.
“No election across the globe is flawless, nonetheless, the journey continues. And I am genuinely optimistic that the forthcoming election will be credible,” Laing concluded.
