US Embassy in Nigeria Disappointed in Quality of 2019 Elections (9JA NEWS)

The US Embassy in Nigeria has expressed disappointment in the quality of the 2019 elections in Nigeria.The US Embassy said in a statement on Thursday that low turnout of voters, voter intimidation, interference by security forces, vote buying and violence reportedly marred the conduct of the elections in some locations.It admonished all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful process, especially for those who would participate in Saturday’s supplementary polls across many states.“As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow closely the still ongoing elections. We do not have a preferred party or candidate,” the embassy said in a statement.“As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary reports, we too were disappointed by the low voter turnout as well as credible reports of voter intimidation, vote buying, interference by security forces, and violence in some locations.“We are saddened by those acts of violence and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, including those who worked for the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security services.”The Mission expressed support for a democratic process “where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results.”