The spokesman for Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the February 14 presidential and gubernatorial elections will proceed as originally planned. Some recent reports had said the vote could be postponed. Kayode Idowu said the electoral body had updated its plans to administer elections in areas where residents often come under attack from radical Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. “The commission is doing everything it has to do to be in a position to conduct elections on February 14 and February 28 this year,” said Idowu. A senior security adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan is reported to have suggested that the election be postponed because of security challenges in parts of the country.
Boko Haram is blamed for carrying out attacks on unarmed civilians. The attacks have displaced thousands from their homes and away from their designated polling centers.
Some Nigerians say the security challenge could thwart INEC’s effort to administer elections in areas the militant group controls.
But Idowu said the electoral commission is implementing additional measures to ensure voters are safe and free to participate.
Full Article: Nigeria Election to Proceed on Schedule.