News

• Aug 11, 2011: Nigerian Senator Supports Term Limits for Presidency VOAnews (2011) The proposition of the Nigerian President M. Goodluck Jonathan to have a single term presidency of six is dividing the government some governors are thinking that this proposition is “ill-timed” while are saying that it is important to have that debate and that anytime is good to discuss critical issues related to the country.
• Aug 03, 2011:
• Jun 23, 2011: Nigeria: Witnesses recount election violence experience before panel, NEXT (2011) The article highlights some of the findings of the post-election commission set up by the Nigerian government to investigate violence related to the vote earlier this year. Witnesses have thus far been either unable or unwilling to identify the primary instigators of the violence.
• May 24, 2011: Nigeria: Presidential Election Tribunal to hear CPC motion today, NEXT (2011) The Nigerian Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has requested that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal compel the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow it to conduct a thorough investigation of the integrity of the recent national election. The article touches on some of the legal actions undertaken by various stakeholders.
• May 12, 2011: Nigeria: POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE: Panel demands protection, free hand, The Nigerian Tribune (2011) The Panel set up by president Goodluck Johnathan to investigate the causes and extent of post-election violence has requested adequate security protection. Their report, which the president is expecting in six weeks, will attempt to identify both the culprits their motives as well as suggest adequate legal action on the part of the newly formed government.
• May 12, 2011:
• May 10, 2011: Nigerian Presidential Vote ‘Rigged,’ Says Opposition Official Voanews (2011) In Nigeria, the debate over the credibility of the last presidential elections is still going on. In fact, the Congress for Progressive change, which is the main opposition party, is challenging the results and it is saying that they have sufficient evidence to prove the elections were “marred by irregularities”.
• May 02, 2011:
• Apr 29, 2011: Nigeria’s Electoral Commission to Conduct Post-Election Analysis Voanews.com (2011) The Independent National Electoral Commission has decided to have a session with the stakeholdersin order to analyse the 2011 elections and to avoid those mistakes in 2015 elections. Although the international observers have declared the elections free and fair, many acts of violence broke out, many people died, and many more were injured.
• Apr 26, 2011:
• Apr 21, 2011: International Election Observer Declares Nigeria Presidential Vote Credible The observation missions in Nigeria considered the election were free and fair. According to NDI (National Democratic Institute) these were very different from the last one and there significant improvement
• Apr 19, 2011: Nigeria-News: Nigeria's President Jonathan elected to 4-year term Afrique en ligne (2011) The Giant of Africa has elected its president from the first round, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan. Even though there were some violent protestations, the international observers have qualified these elections as free and fair.
• Apr 19, 2011:
• Apr 19, 2011:
• Apr 19, 2011: Goodluck Jonathan wins peaceful election in Nigeria The National (2011) The giant of Africa has organized for the first time credible, fair elections as the new elected president had promised before he got into power. This election had few minor incidents but did express the will of the people.
• Apr 18, 2011: Nigeria's Jonathan Secures Unbeatable Poll Lead; Riots Erupt Voanews. com (2011) In Nigeria, as the results are coming out, the President Goodluck Jonathan is taking the lead, with little chance for a second round. In states such as Kano, Kaduna and Zaria there were irruptions of violence. Mr. Buhari is saying that he will not contest the results in case of his loss. According to the observers the election went well.
• Apr 18, 2011:
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• Apr 15, 2011:
• Apr 14, 2011: Nigerian opposition fails to unite against president AFP 2011 The opposition has decided to unite in order to fight against M. Goodluck Jonatahan. Unfortunatly the alliance has failed to materialize.
• Apr 14, 2011: Nigeria:Six presidential candidates step down for Jonathan 234Next(2011) In preparation of the upcoming elections six members of the opposition has decided to step down in order to support the President Goodluck Jonathan because he “he represents the vision of a strong and united nation”
• Apr 13, 2011:
• Apr 13, 2011:
• Apr 12, 2011: Nigeria:ELECTION RESULTS: Live Updates 234Next(2011) live updates of the results of the National Assembly elections
• Apr 12, 2011: EU Observers Express Encouragement at Nigeria’s Legislative Elections, VOA News (2011) The article discusses the parliamentary elections in Nigeria. Last weekend's elections were in general conducted democratically, said the head of the EU observation mission in Nigeria. Presidential elections will be held on Sunday the 16th of April.
• Apr 11, 2011: Nigerian ruling party loses ground in poll, Reuters Africa (2011) The article reports the results of Nigerian parliamentary elections. According to the preliminary results, the ruling People's Democratic Party got half of the seats whereas in the outgoing parliament it had 77 per cent majority.
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• Apr 07, 2011: Nigerian President Backs Election Chief Despite Poll Delay Voanews (2011) The president of the electoral commission in Nigeria Mr. Jega is being asked to step down because of the postponement of the legislatives which are due to logistical issues; which will delay the presidential for later this month. But he is being supported by the President Mr. Goodluck Jonathan.
• Mar 31, 2011: Violence marks run-up to Nigerian elections, CNN (2011) The article dicusses eletion-related violence in Nigeria. Human Rights Watch reported that at least 77 people have been killed in riots related to coming series of election in Nigeria.
• Mar 30, 2011: Nigeria: Protection of votes: Police disagree with INEC, Nigerian Tribune (2011) The article discusses protection of votes in Nigerian elections. The Electoral Commission has said that voters should stay at the polling centres until their votes are counted, whereas the national police refers to the electoral law which requlates that voters should stay not closer than 300 m to polling stations after elections.
• Mar 29, 2011: Nigeria: Activists blame governors for political violence, NEXT (2011) The article discusses election-related violence in Nigeria. Civil society organizations have blaimed that governors in some states have tried to prevent the mobilization of opposition parties.
• Mar 29, 2011: Nigeria: Vice presidential candidates boycott NEDG debate, Vanguard (2011) The article describes the political tensions nefore Nigerian presidential elections. Both the incumbent president and the opposition candidates have boycotted televised election debates.
• Mar 29, 2011: Violence unlikely to derail Nigeria polls: observer, Reuters Africa (2011) The article discusses Nigerian elections which begin in the end of this week. Nigeria holds a parliamentary vote on Saturday, presidential elections on April 9 and governorship elections a week later. The head of the Commonwealth election observer mission said that violence is a genuine concern but it is unlikely to disrupt the whole process.
• Mar 17, 2011: Nigeria: Jonathan rounds off presidential campaign, thanks Nigerians Afrique en Ligne (2011) Mr. Goodluck Jonathan is finishing up its campaign in March 26th 2011. With a tight schedule he was able to round up all the 36 states and deliver his message. The elections in Nigeria are planned for April.
• Mar 04, 2011: Nigeria: INEC releases final lists of 73.5m voters Vanguard (2011) The electoral commission in Nigeria has released the final list of 73 million voters for April presidential election, which is more than the previous list.
• Mar 02, 2011: Nigerian Parties to Receive Voters List Ahead of April Elections Voanews (2011) In Nigeria the final voters’ list is ready, out 150 million people there were 68 million who were registered. The final voters list will send to the political parties in order for them to plan their campaign. The INEC says that this final version of the list will ensure free and fair elections.
• Feb 28, 2011: Nigeria:April polls: Presidency denies voting N2.9bn to capture S-West The Vanguard (fevrier 2011) In Nigeria, the president campaign denied the accusation voting 2.9 billion naira to secure vote from south-western part of the country. They are also urging the opposition to “play the game of politics the way as it ought to be played.”
• Feb 24, 2011: Nigeria: April polls: Jega unfolds security roadmap Vanguard ( February 2011) In order to ensure free and fair elections, the chairman of the INEC is putting in place a security plan which will cover the entire basis, from the harbors to the polling stations.
• Feb 23, 2011: Nigeria’s Electoral Commission Says 70 Million Voters Registered for National Elections in April Voanews (february 2011) Over 70 million people are registered for the elections in April, the INEC says, which is half of the population in Nigeria. Some people are skeptical about the accuracy of the number because of the logistical and poorly trained staff issues that came up.
• Feb 22, 2011: 21 presidential candidates for April polls – Jega The Vanguard (February 2011) In Nigeria, for the elections in April, 21 candidateshave been cleared, and the non-sensitive material has been deployed.
• Feb 21, 2011: Nigeria: Grand coalition of election observers to be launched in Nigeria Afrique en ligne (Fevrier 2011) In order to secure the electoral processes in the sub-region, a coalition of observers known as the West African Election Observers Network (WAEON) has been put in place in Abuja to provide technical support for non-partisan election.
• Feb 18, 2011: Nigeria’s Voters’ List Display Ends Friday Voanews.com (2011) The display of the voter’s list tends today in Nigeria. The electoral commission is happy with the turnout, 66 million people registered to vote. They are confident that these elections will free and fair.
• Feb 11, 2011: Nigeria: Lagos judge moves election machine theft case to family court, NEXT (2011) This article reports on the trial of four people allegedly involved in the theft of 20 Direct Data Capture machines used for voters' registration activities in Nigeria. Due to the involvement of a minor, the case has been transferred to Family Court.
• Feb 11, 2011: Nigeria: Soyinka's party accuses electoral body of sabotage, NEXT (2011) The Democratic Front for a People's Federation has requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission remove the party from the list of political parties that failed to meet the January 31st deadline for submission of candidate lists. The party, originally founded by Wole Soyinka, is accusing INEC of a premeditated strategy to ensure its disfranchisement from the forthcoming general elections.
• Feb 11, 2011: Nigeria: Confronting obstacles to the 2011 Elections, Vanguard (2011) This article reports on the preparations for the elections in Nigeria. February 1 was set as the last day for the submission of names of candidates for the elections. In the meantime, the National Independent Electoral Commission is facing many challenges for the voters' registration exercise. Many observers now doubt that the INEC will be able to finish all activities by April.
• Feb 11, 2011: Nigeria: How not to register voters: one election, one registration, Vanguard (2011) This article discusses the challenges of the voter registration in Nigeria. The author is critical towards the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and denounces serious malpractices, mostly caused by faulty machines, inability to capture biometric data of registrants, and unavailability of registration officers in many areas.
• Feb 07, 2011: Nigeria: Electoral Commission's list likely to generate controversy, NEXT (2011) This article discusses the expected outcomes of the publication of the candidates' list for the April general election in Nigeria. Thousands of names and records have been scrutinized, and the final list will likely generate many controversies. Some federal politicians defeated in the primary elections, for instance, declared their intentions to press charges against their parties, and also against the commission if the candidates are in the list.
• Feb 07, 2011: Nigeria: Electoral body keeps candidates waiting, NEXT (2011) This article reports on the preparations of the April's elections in Nigeria. Since the Independent National Electoral Commission was expected to release the candidates' lists on February 6, anxious politicians and journalists overwhelmed the INEC offices in Abuja. However, the INEC announced that the lists will be released by the state offices as required by the law. Out of the 63 registered parties, eight of them did not meet the deadline and therefore could not submit their lists for consideration.
• Jan 28, 2011: Nigeria:Voter registration centres discovered in Anambra forest 234next.com (2011) In Nigeria the registration are still going on, and they have also discovered 4 registration centers in the forest next to a shrine which are at least 40 minutes drive from any residential area. These centers are well equipped but have only registered 200 people, meanwhile there are centers which are still lacking equipments.
• Jan 25, 2011: Nigeria: INEC pushes decision on registration extension forward 234 Next (2011) The voter registration date might be pushed back for 10 days because of the technical difficulties. The decision was supposed to come out today and it will probably not affect the electoral calendar done last year.
• Jan 25, 2011: Nigeria Electoral Commission to Assess Voter Registration Voanews (2011) In Nigeria, the commission is assessing the voter registration process, in order to decide if the process will be extended, because they are 70 million people that need to be registered.
• Jan 14, 2011: Problems line up for Nigerian election, CNN News (2011) This article reports on the many issues that are emerging in Nigeria, as the election day is approaching. In the recent elections in the southern Delta State, the Independent National Electoral Commission had many challenges to face, and Chairman Attahiru Jega denounced the total lack of voting equipment, personnel and security.
• Jan 13, 2011: Nigerian Ruling Party to Choose Presidential Candidate Thursday Voanews (2011) This Thursday January 13th the PDP (People Democratic Party) in Nigeria is going to elect the person who is going to represent them for the April election. There are three people running the incumbent Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, the former VP Mr. Atiku Abubakar and Mrs Sarah Jibril.
• Jan 12, 2011: Nigeria:Nigerian Analyst Sees Close Contest in Ruling Party Primary Voanews (2011) The People Democratic Party is about to chose the candidate that will run for presidency for the April elections. Both Former VP Atiku Abubakar and actual president Goodluck Jonathan has a chance to win according to University of Abuja Professor Mr. Kabiru Mato.
• Jan 10, 2011: Nigerian State Vote is Test Case for April Presidential Elections Voanews (2011) Independent National Electoral Commission has lots of elections to organize this year; the most important one is the presidential elections that are going to be held in April. The state elections were a lithmus test wich will help the commission to organize fair and transparent presidential elections.
• Dec 23, 2010: Nigeria: Stakeholders harp on credible elections in 2011, The Nigerian Tribune (2010) This article discusses the preparations for the 2011 elections in Nigeria. The University of Ibadan organized a Symposium on Democracy and the responsibilities of the electorate, INEC and law enforcement agents. The Independent National Election Commission stated that every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring free and fair elections.
• Dec 23, 2010: Nigeria: INEC to de-register political parties after elections, AllAfrica (2010) This article reports on the adoption of the Electoral Act 2010 in Nigeria. This bill will have many consequences on the electoral process: as a first step, the INEC will have the power to de-register political parties who fail to win at least a seat in the National Assembly. Currently, there are 62 political parties running in the general elections.
• Dec 23, 2010: Cote d’Ivoire – Warning To Nigeria, Vanguard (2010) This article compares the political situation in Ivory Coast and in Nigeria. The author argues that the situation in Ivory Coast should be analyzed and studied because many experts believe that Nigeria could be in the same position after next year's elections. The elections will be an important test for the country.
• Dec 21, 2010: Nigeria: Stolen DDC machines will not affect 2011 polls - Jega, The Nigerian Tribune (2010) This article reports on the comments of the chairman of the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission regarding the recent stealing of the Direct Data Capture machines. The machines were stolen at the Lagos airport, but the chairman Jega assured that this will not affect the 2011 elections, and explained that the software has security to prevent anybody from using the machines.
• Dec 17, 2010: Nigeria: Rig and go to jail, Jega warns politicians, Vanguard (2010) This article reports on the statements of the Chairman of the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission regarding election rigging. Chairman Jega stated that the INEC has taken measures to prosecute election offenders: all riggers will prosecuted. INEC has recently opened a prosecution against an official accused of electoral fraud during the recent by-election in Enugu State.
• Nov 30, 2010: Nigeria: Armed forces ready for 2011 elections -Kayode, The Nigerian Tribune (2010) This article reports on the preparations for the upcoming elections in Nigeria. The Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, stated that the armed forces are ready to deploy ll logistics to ensure the smooth conduct of the general election.
• Nov 25, 2010: Nigeria: INEC releases election timetable, The Times of Nigeria (2010) This article presents the election timetable that was released yesterday by the Independent Electoral Commission. The electoral campaign for the April general elections will start on the December 1st, while the voter registration is scheduled for January. According to the timetable, the national assembly elections will be held on April 1, the presidential elections will be on April 9 and the gubernatorial polls on April 15.
• Nov 25, 2010: Nigeria: Jega partners population agency for 2011 elections, NEXT (2010) This article reports on the decision of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, to cooperate with the National Population Commission to organize the upcoming elections in Nigeria. Mr Jega decided to seek a partnership with the NPC because of the scale of organization required. The INEC will be able to use the NPC offices as operational bases in 36 states, as well as to work with NPC officials in the voter registration activities.
• Nov 24, 2010: Nigeria: Computer professionals lay claims to INEC’s IT jobs, Vanguard (2010) This article reports on the ultimatum given by the Nigerian Computer Society to the Independent Electoral Commission. The NCS is urging the INEC to address some identified lapses in the process for the voters registration. According to the NCS, for example, all election officials should be trained and certified on how to operate the Direct Data Capture Machines used for the registration of voters.
• Nov 24, 2010: Nigeria presidential vote to be held April 9, The Washington Post (2010) This article reports on the Nigeria's Electoral Commission's announcement regarding the next presidential elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Attahiru Jega, announced the final date of the elections, April 9 2011. The poll was originally scheduled for January, but it was postponed to conduct a proper voter registration. 150 million people live in Nigeria, and the eligible voters are around 70 million.
• Nov 18, 2010: Nigeria: More parties kick against new Electoral Bill, The Nigeria Daily Independent (2010) This article reports on the discussions about the electoral reform in Nigeria. All the political parties, including the Nigerian People Congress, the Alliance for Democracy and the Citizens Popular Party, are strongly opposing the current draft. These parties are mobilizing especially against a clause that would make the legislators members of their parties' National Executive Committees, arguing that this would grant them too much power.
• Nov 17, 2010: Nigeria: Fayemi warns of consequences of failed electoral reforms, Vanguard (2010) This article reports on the statements of the Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, regarding the upcoming elections. The Governor stated that if the electoral reforms will not be implemented before the 2011 poll, there could be serious consequences on the integrity of the whole electoral process. Despite the efforts of the INEC, he stated, the forthcoming general elections harbored more potential for electoral fraud and violence.
• Nov 17, 2010: Nigerians in UK write Jonathan, Jega on 2011 elections, The Nigerian Tribune (2010) This article reports on the open letter that some Nigerian citizens living in the UK have written to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Independent National Electoral Commission. The letter accused few political actors of wasting energy on small issues, rather than addressing serious national matters. According to this Nigerians living abroad, the successful conduct of the elections holds the key to the future of the country.
• Nov 17, 2010: Nigeria: Differentiate between re-run, fresh elections, Delta elders urge INEC, Vanguard (2010) This article reports on the meetings held between the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission and the Delta State Elders and traditional leaders. The leaders asked Professor Jega to explain clearly the difference between a re-run and a fresh election and to educate the people of the state regarding the upcoming election.
• Nov 17, 2010: Nigeria: Electoral Offences Tribunal Underway - Jega, AllAfrica (2010) This article discusses the announcement of the Chairman of the INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, about the creation of the Electoral Offenses Tribunal in Nigeria. Professor Jega stated that the National Assembly is currently discussing a law to establish such a Tribunal, and that the era of impunity in the electoral process is over.
• Nov 17, 2010: 2011: INEC to engage military in distribution of materials, The Nigerian Tribune (2010) This article reports on the preparations for the 2011 general elections in Nigeria. The Independent National Electoral Commission stated that it will ask for the support of the military to distribute the electoral materials on time for the poll, a standard practice in such an exercise. The INEC is currently drafting guidelines to guarantee a successful and timely distribution.
• Nov 03, 2010: Nigerian Election Officials Train Ahead of January’s Voter Registration Nigerian Election Officials Train Ahead of January’s Voter Registration Voanews.com (2010) In order to have credible elections, Nigerian officials are being trained on a 12-steps program on voter’s registration.
• Nov 03, 2010: Nigeria: 87 ways to end rigging, Vanguard (2010) This article discusses the different possible measures to guarantee electoral integrity in Nigeria. The Independent National Electoral Commission identified 87 ways to rig an elections and planned its strategy accordingly. The author argues that most of the concerns for the upcoming elections involve the voter registration activities (the INEC is training the staff but the actual machines are still not in place). Furthermore, according to the author, the INEC is not paying enough attention to the activities of parties: top party officials, for example, are already shutting out opponents.
• Nov 03, 2010: Nigerian election officials train ahead of January's voter registration, VOA News (2010) This article reports on the start of the 12-day training program for electoral officials in Nigeria ahead of the January nationwide voter registration exercise. TheIndependent National Electoral Commission organized this training for its senior staff to explain how to train other staff about how to conduct the voter registration exercise. The elections have been recently postponed to April, and the new government is expected to take office in May.
• Oct 27, 2010: Why 2011 poll will make or mar Nigeria – Prof Hagher, Vanguard (2010) This article feature an interview to Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Nigerian university processor and diplomat. Prof. Hagher discusses the major issues that could undermine the 2011 general elections, and calls for deeper dialogue among the country's leaders. The Professor further discusses the zoning arrangements and the role of political parties in Nigeria.
• Oct 27, 2010: Nigeria's National Assembly to extend election timetable, VOA News (2010) This article reports on the discussions about postponing the Nigerian general elections. Today, the National Assembly will decide whether or not to accept the new electoral schedule presented by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC). If this schedule is approved, the general elections will be hold in April and electoral officials believe that the commission will be able to organize a credible election.
• Oct 25, 2010: Nigeria: When will election riggers ever be punished? Vanguard (2010) This article discusses the role of electoral tribunals in Nigeria. According to the author there is one major flaw in the Nigerian system: the courts make important decisions on electoral cases (like the recent sentence to oust four governors), but they never punish election riggers. The Independent National Electoral Commission should prosecute these offenses (as stated in the 2006 Electoral Law) and according to the author INEC never does so because it would be an admission of its own failure.
• Oct 25, 2010: INEC and credible elections in Nigeria, The Nigerian Observer (2010) This article discusses the many challenges that the Independent Election Commission has to face in preparing the 2011 elections in Nigeria. According to the author, the ruling party of President Jonathan is not really committed to the values and democracies, and so it will be difficult for the INEC Chairman, Professor Jega, to organize fair and free elections.
• Oct 21, 2010: Nigeria: Bishop warns against riggin in 2011 elections, AllAfrica This article reports on the statement of Bishop Felix Ajakaiye about vote-rigging in Nigeria. The bishop warned politicians not to contemplate fraud for the 2011 elections.
• Oct 19, 2010: Nigeria: We need to prosecute election riggers, says Mimiko, NEXT (2010) This article reports on the preparations for the 2011 poll in Nigeria. The author expresses his trust and confidence towards the ability of the head of the INEC, Professor Jega, to conduct of fair and free elections, but reaffirms the need to prosecute the people responsible for electoral malpractices.
• Oct 18, 2010: Nigeria: 2011: Is INEC ready for the challenges ahead? The Nigerian Tribune (2010) This article discusses the future challenges that the Independent National Electoral Commission will have to face before the 2011 elections. In particular, the author discusses the procurement process of the high-tech data capturing equipment for the voters' registration.
• Oct 14, 2010: Nigeria: EU to monitor 2011 elections, The Nigerian Tribune (2010) This article reports on the European Union's decision to deploy an electoral observation mission to monitor the 2011 elections Nigeria. Recently, the National Democratic Institute announced its decision to support the elections as well. The EU ambassador, Diego Pasqua, restated the EU commitment to help INEC to conduct free and fair elections.
• Oct 13, 2010: Nigeria: 2011: 20 presidential hopefuls emerge, Vanguard (2010) This article reports on the new candidates for the 2011 presidential race in Nigeria. So far, about 20 aspirants will probably join the race and the number is expected to rise. Among the candidates there is only one woman, Sarah Jubril, who run three times for the same seat since 1993.
• Oct 13, 2010: Nigeria: Ex Canadian PM, Botswana leader worry about security ahead polls, NEXT (2010) This article reports on the mission of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Nigeria. The mission, led by former President of Botswana, Ketule Masire and former Canadian Prime Minister, Joe Clark, is currently on a pre-elections assessment tour. In the first reports, the two heads of the mission express their concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the country, and how this could influence the elections. The members of the mission will now interview the major stakeholders in the electoral process.
• Oct 12, 2010: Nigeria: Election planning and national security, The Vanguard (2010) This article discusses the challenges that the Independent Election Commission is facing in Nigeria. One of the major challenges is to guarantee security on election day, as the recent explosions of bombs demonstrated. Security was a major challenge during the electoral campaign as well,
• Oct 12, 2010: Nigeria: Labor Party challenges INEC's power to determine polls timetable, AllAfrica (2010) This article reports on the decision of the Labor Party to challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission to a Federal High Court. The Labor Party argues that if elections are held according to the current schedule the smaller parties would be disadvantaged - as voters would lean towards the President's party. The LP believes that it would be better to have the State Assemblies and Governors elections first, and then the Presidential and National Assembly ones. In the meantime, the INEC asked for a time extension, and the National Assembly is currently reviewing the Electoral Act.
• Oct 08, 2010: Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan Rejects Calls to Step Down voanews.com(2010) Right after the bombing, the opposition is asking for the President Goodluck Jonathan to step down because of the way he handled the situation .
• Oct 05, 2010: Nigeria: INEC's quest for time extension, AllAfrica (2010) This article discusses the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in preparation for the forthcoming elections in Nigeria. Recently, the Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, asked for a postponement of the January 2011 elections, and the author comments the latest developments in the management of the elections in Nigeria. The election timetable was drafted before the Chairman of the Commission was even appointed, and too little time was scheduled for the voter registration activities.
• Sep 29, 2010: Nigerian Electoral Commission Welcomes President’s Request for Election Delay voanews.com (2010) In order to ensure free and fair election in Nigeria, the actual President Mr. Goodluck Jonathan is amending the constitution, to delay the election for a couple of months. So that the electoral commission can be better prepared to organize the upcoming elections scheduled for next year.
• Sep 23, 2010: Nigeria: National Assembly to decide on new election date, NEXT (2010) This article reports on the National Assembly's discussion about the next election day. The Independent National Electoral Commission requested a postponement of the election day, and all political parties supported this decision.
• Sep 17, 2010: Independent media is crucial for Nigeria’s election, NEXT (2010) This article discusses one of the main ingredients to have a free and fair election: independent media. According to the author of the article, there can be no transparent election without a strong, fair, dedicated and responsible media. Television, for instance, is considered the most important instrument for electoral campaigning. Radio, press, Internet and television will play a major role in the 2011 elections in Nigeria: they will contribute to to the formation of a public opinion in the country presenting the candidates and parties to the public.
• Sep 16, 2010: Nigerians in Diaspora to vote in subsequent polls, The Nigerian Compass (2010) This article reports on the procedures for Nigerian citizens voting abroad. President Goodluck Jonathan promised to introduce reforms to allow citizens living abroad to vote after the election in 2011. In particular, he stated that the Diaspora community has the capacity to become a change agent.
• Sep 14, 2010: Nigeria: INEC, opposition parties disagree over election timetable, NEXT (2010) This article reports on the meeting of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties. The CNPP criticized the new electoral timetable, calling it "a race against time". One of the most debated issues is the voters' registration: according to the new timetable the INEC will register 70 million people between November 1 and 14. Furthermore, according to the CNPP, there will be no time for the training of the electoral officials who will handle the DDC machines for the registration in 120,000 centers nationwide.
• Sep 14, 2010: Nigeria: INEC approves firms for supply for equipement, NEXT (2010) This article reports on the voters' registration in Nigeria. The Independent Electoral Commission first shortlisted eight IT and electronic firms, and two of them have been approved to supply the machines for the voters' registration. The companies will provide the direct data capture machines within eight weeks. The electoral calendar was released last week, and preparations for the November elections are speeding up.
• Sep 13, 2010: Nigeria: EU okays Jan election dates, The Nigerian Tribune (2010) This article reports on the EU response to the electoral calendar laid out by the Nigerian Independent Electoral Commission. The EU heads of mission welcomed this initiative with satisfaction, but called for quick and incisive new actions. The EU suggested to start the updating of the voter register, among other things, to guarantee free and fair elections.
• Sep 13, 2010: Nigerian group commits to voter education ahead of January election, VOA News (2010) This article reports on the initiative of the Alliance for Credible Elections on voters education. This group will launch a nation-wide voter education programme for the upcoming January elections. Many observers believe that the Independent Electoral Commission had too little time for the preparations of this elections, but the chairman, Attahiru Jega, guaranteed free and fair elections.
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