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People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan

Nigeria's Election Postponement: A Delicate Balance between Democracy and Stability

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nigerians are waiting with bated breath as the country teeters on the edge of a potentially volatile election season. The recent postponement of the general elections has sparked concerns about the rule of law, corruption, and the stability of the democratic process. President Goodluck Jonathan and opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari have taken different stances on the issue, with Jonathan assuring Nigerians that the election will still take place on May 29, 2015, while Buhari insists that the March 28 rescheduled date is sacrosanct.

Key Takeaways:

  • The postponement of the elections has sparked a heated debate between President Jonathan and opposition leader Buhari, with the President assuring Nigerians that the election will still take place on May 29, 2015, while Buhari insists that the March 28 rescheduled date is sacrosanct.
  • The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) have expressed concern over the postponement of the elections, with the EU Chief Observer Mission, Santiago Fises, urging the authorities to respect the constitutional limit for the elections.
  • The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, of working in close collaboration with the APC to make the outcome of the polls favorable to the opposition party.
  • The opposition leader Buhari has met with officials of the UN, AU, and EU, reiterating that the March 28 rescheduled date for the start of the general elections must remain sacrosanct.
  • The President has assured Nigerians that substantial progress will be made in the war against the insurgents in the next six weeks, citing the acquisition of new weapons and the support of neighboring countries.
  • The opposition leader Buhari has contributed to the narrative of alleged corruption, stating that in other countries, theft is not covered up with the word corruption.

Statistics:

  • Less than 40% of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) were distributed in Lagos and Ogun states.
  • 80% of Nigerians are expected to be able to vote in the upcoming elections, according to President Jonathan.
  • The INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has promised to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and credible.
  • The security agencies have assured Nigerians that they are fully prepared to maintain law and order during the elections.
  • The opposition leader Buhari has stated that he will continue to push for the entrenchment of democracy in the country.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • All Africa Global Media
  • COMTEX
  • European Union (EU)
  • United Nations (UN)
  • Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
  • All Africa Global Media (allAfrica.com)

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