[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S4433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     UPCOMING ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

  Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the situation 
concerning the upcoming elections in Nigeria.
  The people of Nigeria have a historic achievement within their grasp: 
their country's first peaceful, democratic transfer of power from one 
elected civilian government to another. To secure this victory for 
themselves and for Africa, and to retain the kind of international 
confidence in Nigeria's future that is essential for the country's 
growth, Nigerians need and deserve the strongest possible international 
support for free, fair, and peaceful elections on April 14 and 21.
  Successful elections are not guaranteed. Political violence and 
serious irregularities have tarnished past polling in parts of the 
country, denying some Nigerians their democratic rights. No one truly 
interested in Nigeria's long-term stability and prosperity can accept 
repeats of these incidents as regular features of the country's 
political landscape.
  There is already cause for concern this time around. Regrettably, 
preparations for this month's elections have been sluggish, and the 
independence of the electoral commission has been compromised. 
Important national discussions about corruption and accountability have 
been temporarily hijacked by elaborate preelection maneuvering.
  But the Nigerian people can still succeed in exercising their 
democratic rights and taking control of their national destiny. The 
rule of law, not the wishes of the powerful, can resolve outstanding 
questions about the electoral process. American interests in working 
with a strong and democratic Nigerian partner will remain powerful 
regardless of who is victorious when the returns come in, which is 
precisely why we should use our voice now, not to favor any party or 
candidate, but to support Nigeria's democracy.

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