Why US’ll support Nigeria In 2015 Elections— Envoy

THE United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, has declared though Nigeria has many friends and partners that want the country to succeed in its elections, the US stands at the
front of that line. Entwistle who spoke

while addressing Nigerian journalists on the need to refine and learn new techniques in election reporting, at a workshop entitled ‘Community Reporting for Building of
Democratic Values in the Run-up to the 2015 general elections,’ said the elections present a golden opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its lasting commitment to democratic values and institutions.
He noted, “The United States strongly supports a free, transparent, credible, inclusive, and nonviolent electoral process in Nigeria. We shall continue to call upon all Nigerians to refrain from advocating, fomenting, or condoning violence before, during, or after the elections.” While urging political parties and the government to
ensure that all registered voters participate freely in a peaceful and transparent process and to create an environment where that can happen, he implored the country’s political leadership and those who aspire to lead, to refrain from engaging in inflammatory rhetoric or supporting acts of intimidation.
How Nigerian Journalists can ensure credible elections: Entwiistle who also spoke on the role Nigerian journalists should play in ensuring a free, fare, credible and non violent election
process, said that covering an election was a great professional challenge for reporters. He said, “Journalists are expected to become experts who report on election rules, from how those rules govern the preparation of voter rolls to the tallying of final vote counts. Journalists in democracies have the vital task of reporting on the issues that voters want politicians to address, and helping to hold elected officials accountable for their campaign promises.” Campaign promises
He was clear in making journalists understand that their readers, viewers, listeners, and social- media followers are counting on them to portray accurately and fairly the positions of the candidates and parties and to explain clearly the details of policy issues so that as voters, they can go to the ballot box with accurate information to inform their choices. “Good journalism, therefore is fundamental to an election process that protects the rights of all
Nigerians to use the ballot box to reflect the views and concerns of their communities. Professional media are among the most powerful tools available to support a free, credible, inclusive, and peaceful electoral process in which democratic principles are adhered to by
all parties, candidates, and institutions.
“Your work carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, and the shape and outcome of the electoral process depend in very great measure on the good work you do. Nigeria’s friends and allies around the world also are deeply invested
in helping to ensure that the 2015 elections are free, fair, peaceful, and credible. Throughout the electoral process, international audiences also
will rely on you for timely, accurate, and
insightful reporting that will reflect whether those goals are being met,” he said.