Statement by the Secretary General on Elections in Nigeria
April 1, 2015
The Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, Ambassador Maria Leissner, congratulates the people of Nigeria and the electoral management bodies in the country for conducting a fair, free and peaceful electoral process.
Nigeria proved to comply with democratic standards in the most competitive elections in its history. The Secretary General applauds President Goodluck Jonathan for his exemplary democratic step in conceiving defeat and pledging for a peaceful transition of power.
In conducting a successful electoral process, Nigeria reconfirmed and demonstrated its democratic leadership in the region in a time of great challenges to the democratic rule. The peaceful conduction of democratic, free and fair elections serves as an inspiration to other countries in the region and in the world. It proves that democratic dialogue is stronger than violent attempts by extremists to ruin the pluralistic social tissue of the country, and paves the way for a citizen-led, secure and sustainable future for Nigeria and for the continent.
The Secretary General extends her warmest congratulations to elected President, H.E. Buhari, and looks forward to the continuation of the significant engagement of Nigeria in the Community of Democracies under the new government.
