[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 22250]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

  The resolution (S. Res. 611) supporting the efforts of the 
Independent National Electoral Commission of the Government of Nigeria, 
political parties, civil societies, religious organizations, and the 
people of Nigeria from one civilian government to another in the 
general elections to be held in April 2007 was considered and agreed 
to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution (S. Res. 611), with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 611

       Whereas the United States maintains strong and friendly 
     relations with Nigeria and values the leadership role that 
     Nigeria 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 has been, and continues to be, a leading 
     supporter of the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations 
     and the Economic Community of West African States by 
     contributing troops to operations in Lebanon, Yugoslavia, 
     Kuwait, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra 
     Leone, 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 voting 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 increasing significance of the 
     leadership of Nigeria 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 lifted the existing 2-term limit and 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 democratic gains made in Nigeria during the last 
     8 years; 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.

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