[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 575 Introduced in Senate (IS)]








109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 575

Supporting the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission 
  of the Government of Nigeria, political parties, civil society, and 
 religious organizations to facilitate the first democratic transition 
    of Nigeria from 1 civilian government to another in the general 
                  elections to be held in April 2007.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 20, 2006

   Mr. Feingold (for himself and Mr. Hagel) submitted the following 
  resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Supporting the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission 
  of the Government of Nigeria, political parties, civil society, and 
 religious organizations to facilitate the first democratic transition 
    of Nigeria from 1 civilian government to another in the general 
                  elections to be held in April 2007.

Whereas the United States maintains strong and friendly relations with Nigeria 
        and values the leadership role that the United States plays throughout 
        the continent of Africa, particularly in the establishment of the New 
        Partnership for African Development and the African Union;
Whereas Nigeria is an important strategic partner with the United States in 
        combating terrorism, promoting regional stability, and improving energy 
        security;
Whereas Nigeria is a leading contributor to global peacekeeping efforts, 
        including operations in Lebanon, Yugoslavia, Kuwait, the Democratic 
        Republic of Congo, Somalia, Rwanda, and Sudan;
Whereas past corruption and poor governance have resulted in weak political 
        institutions, crumbling infrastructure, a feeble economy, and an 
        impoverished population;
Whereas political aspirants and the democratic process of Nigeria are being 
        threatened by increasing politically-motivated violence, including the 
        assassination of 3 gubernatorial candidates in different states during 
        the previous 2 months; and
Whereas the Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission has--

    (1) announced that governorship and state assembly elections will be 
held on April 14, 2007;

    (2) stated that votes for the president and national assembly will take 
place on April 21, 2007; and

    (3) vowed to organize free and fair elections to facilitate a smooth 
democratic transition: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the importance of Nigeria as a strategic 
        partner and long-time friend of the United States;
            (2) acknowledges the rising prominence of Nigeria as a 
        leader and role model throughout the region and continent;
            (3) commends the decision of the National Assembly of 
        Nigeria to reject an amendment to the constitution that would 
        have allowed for a third presidential term;
            (4) encourages the Government of Nigeria and the 
        Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate a 
        commitment to successful democratic elections by--
                    (A) developing an aggressive plan for voter 
                registration and education;
                    (B) addressing charges of past or intended 
                corruption in a transparent manner; and
                    (C) conducting objective and unbiased recruitment 
                and training of election officials;
            (5) urges the Government of Nigeria to respect the freedoms 
        of association and assembly, including the right of candidates, 
        members of political parties, and others--
                    (A) to freely assemble;
                    (B) to organize and conduct public events; and
                    (C) to exercise those and other rights in a manner 
                free from intimidation or harassment;
            (6) urges a robust effort by the law enforcement and 
        judicial officials of Nigeria to enforce the rule of law, 
        particularly by--
                    (A) preventing and investigating politically-
                motivated violence; and
                    (B) prosecuting those suspected of such acts;
            (7) urges--
                    (A) President Bush to ensure that the United States 
                supports the Government of Nigeria in that regard; and
                    (B) the Government of Nigeria to actively seek the 
                support of the international community for democratic, 
                free, and fair elections in April 2007; and
            (8) expresses the support of the United States for 
        coordinated efforts by the Government of Nigeria and the 
        Independent National Electoral Commission to work with 
        political parties, civil society, religious organizations, and 
        other entities to organize a peaceful political transition 
        based on free and fair elections in April 2007 to further 
        consolidate the democracy of Nigeria.
                                 <all>