Subject: Saturday's Elections Give Nigerians a Real Chance to Vote
From: "National Democratic Institute" <[email-masked]>
To: "R. Hunter Biden" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:31:34 -0400

APRIL 11, 2011
DESPITE PROBLEMS, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS GIVE NIGERIANS A REAL
CHANCE TO VOTE, NDI MISSION FINDS [1]
	In contrast to past elections in Nigeria, the April 9 National
Assembly polls provided a real opportunity for citizens to exercise
their right to vote, according to the findings of an international
election observation mission fielded by NDI.  

	Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Nigeria, leaders of NDI’s
observation delegation also pointed out substantial problems
surrounding the elections and offered recommendations for steps that
could be taken before Nigerians vote for president on April 16 and for
governors and state assemblies on April 26.  It also cautioned that
its findings were preliminary since the tabulation of results has not
been finalized.  In past elections, serious problems emerged in the
tabulation process.   

	"Increased citizen awareness, public confidence in the leadership of
election authorities, and greater engagement by political parties and
civil society all provided the basis for a break from previous failed
elections," the Institute said in its preliminary statement [2].
"However, continued vigilance is needed to realize the promise of
these polls.  Positive momentum must continue to build to meet the
challenges that will be presented by the upcoming presidential and
state elections." 

	Read more:  

	*Read the full statement&raquo; [3] 	*Read the full press
release&raquo; [4] 	*Read the full statement [5] and the press release
[6] from Project 2011 Swift Count, a coalition of civic groups formed
to monitor the election&raquo; 	*NDI Delegation to Observe April 16
Presidential Election in Nigeria&raquo; [7]
	Pictured above: Election official with ballot at Lugbe polling
station outside Abuja.                              
-------------------------
	The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan
organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide by
promoting citizen participation, openness and accountability in
government.    
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