2015 Elections: Commonwealth Tasks INEC On Transparency
Mr Sharma, according to the reports, gave the advice in Abuja on Friday at a meeting with officials of the commission and stressed that the electorate should be allowed to choose their leaders in an atmosphere of peace.
“In the heart of democracy is the will of the people. what does the people want in respect of a choice and leadership? The starting point of any democracy process in a country is credible and peaceful elections,” Mr Sharma said.
He further advised the commission to avoid postponing election dates without justifiable reasons, saying elections should not be held at the political convenience of parties.
The acting chairman of the commission, Ishmael Igbani, who received the commonwealth officials, highlighted the activities of the commission, saying efforts have always been made to constantly improve on the performance of the electoral body.
At a separate meeting with officials of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr Sharma urged the commission to ensure that people’s rights were not violated for whatever reason.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Bem Angwe, pledged the commitment of the commission to executing its mandate despite the present security challenges in Nigeria’s northeast.
The visit by the Commonwealth Secretary-General is aimed at strengthening its relationship with key institutions within the commonwealth.
