US elated over peaceful conduct of Edo election

…expresses concern over violence, vote-buying, intimidation of voters From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja 
Barely a week and two days after issuing a visa ban threat on would-be perpetrators of electoral fraud in the last Saturday Edo State governorship election, the United States, yesterday, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election.
The United States, in a message posted on the Facebook page of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, hailed Edo people for a credible and peaceful governorship election.
The United States also thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies on the positive role played during the election, which it said, strengthened democracy in the country.
“Congratulations to the people of Edo State on a credible and peaceful governorship election. We thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian security services on the positive role they played in the election and commend their work in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.  
“We recognize the critical role that Governor Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu played in promoting peace.  We also thank our civil society partners for their invaluable work in upholding democracy and accountability in this election,” the United States said.
The United States however expressed concern over cases of reported violence and vote-buying, including the intimidation of voters and civil society observers.
The United States called on all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security agencies, to improve the electoral process during the  October 10, 2020, Ondo State governorship election.
“The United States remains concerned with reports of some violence that did emerge during the election, and by reports of vote-buying and intimidation of both voters and civil society domestic observers. 
“We will continue to encourage all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to improve the electoral process in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.  
“As a democratic partner of Nigeria, the United States remains committed to working together to achieve our mutual goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both our countries,” the United States further said.