FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16thFebruary 2019
Abuja
DistinguishedLadies and Gentlemen of the Press,
The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and its partnersexpress disappointment over the postponement of the 2019 general electionsoriginally scheduled for 16th February and 2nd March2019. Without prejudice to INEC’s reasons for the postponement, we acknowledgethat the decision has socio-economic and political consequences for allstatkeholders. However, WANEP remains committed to its mandate of promotingpeaceful and credible elections.
Inthis context, WANEP urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)to continue to provide regular information to the general public on theprogress of the revised timelines for the elections, in order to re-assure theelectorate on the credibility of the process.
Whilecommending Nigerians for their peaceful conduct, we implore the electorate andthe political parties to continue to exercise patience and understanding andrefrain from acts that could jeopardize the peaceful conduct of the process. Weurge the electorate not to be discouraged but to come out en masse on 23rdFebruary and 9th March 2019 to exercise their civic rights.
WANEP calls on the international community, partners and domestic observers not to be deterred or lose faith in the electoral process, but remain resolute in their support to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
