The simultaneous processes commenced around 8
a.m. with accreditation of voters and voting with large turn-out of voters at
the Niger Republic Consulate office Abuja, venue of the election, security was
also very tight as both the Nigerian Policemen and Security operatives from
Niger Republic kept vigil.
Interview with the Nigerien Ambassador to
Nigeria was granted by the Nigerien Election Commissioner Mr. E. ABDOURAHAMANE.
Excerpts from the interview:
Photo News: your
Excellency we like to meet with you sir?
My name is Ambassador ABDOURAHAMANE I am the
election commissioner in-charge of diaspora election here
in Nigeria , I have been assigned by my government to monitor the general election going on today in my
country Niger for our citizens here in
Nigeria and also conduct election for the diaspora representative seat in the
house of parliament of Niger republic.
Photo News: so what is going on outside is an extension of election process
covering your citizens in the diaspora?
Yes that is exactly what is taking place, I
am here to oversee the conduct of the election and report the outcome and
result to the electoral umpire in my country Niger
Photo News: are you saying the outcome of this election has a significant impact on
the overall elections in your country?
Yes of course that is why I am here to
monitor the conduct of the entire process, because all votes cast here will
determine the overall result of the entire election in my country Niger, smore
so other countries in Africa and the world at large where they are Nigeriens
similar elections covering Nigerien citizens in the diaspora is taking place
and the outcome will determine the winner of the election process.
Photo News: what is
your assessment of the election process so far?
The election here is conducted according to
our electoral codes and laws of the Republic of Niger, and every process
carried-out from accreditation to casting of votes is in tandem with the
electoral laws applicable in my country Niger, like I mentioned to you earlier
that the outcome of the election has a significant impact on the overall
election back home that is why I am here in Nigeria,to ensure that the conduct
is credible and fair to all parties involved in the process.
Photo News: you mentioned a diaspora representative seat in your country’s
parliament can you shed more light on the process?
Yes I will start by saying the process is a
new innovation by my government to ensure inclusiveness of its citizens in the
diaspora in governance and also their wellbeing and security, its indeed a new
experience, this is how it works; in all the countries of the world there is
likely hood you will find Nigeriens so in order for effective representation a
seat in the parliament is reserved for a diaspora representative elected by
Nigeriens in the diaspora, the elected representative handles matters that
concerns citizens of Niger in the Diaspora their welfare, security and also
presents bills in favor of citizens in the diaspora .
Photo News: how is
this representative selected for election into the parliament?
In every continent of the world there is
likelihood to find Nigeriens there, so interested candidates are drawn from
each continent to contest on the platform of the various parties, they are then
included in the electoral process where they are voted by citizens in the
diaspora as you are witnessing here today in Nigerian federal capital Abuja.
Photo News: Back to
the general elections how do you resolved electoral disputes?
We have had our own fair share of disputes
arising from electoral process in the past especially during the military
regime but with our electoral reforms that give birth to the electoral codes
and laws we have been able to mitigate and bring to barest minimum electoral
disputes because elections are conducted in strict conformity with the
electoral codes and laws every stakeholder is carried along in the conduct and
process of the election from the primaries, accreditation to voting and
collating and announcement of results the entire process is transparent .
Photo News: Nigeria’s presidential election witnessed the emergence of an
opposition party APC defeating the Ruling PDP are we likely to see same trend
in Niger general elections?
General laughter!!!!!! Well to answer your
question at this stage of the election process I cannot give a definite answer
because it’s too early to predict the outcome of the election however it has
happened in my country Niger in the past
Photo News: was there a peaceful transition
as exemplified by Nigeria?
Yes there was a peaceful transition and
hopefully if the election plays out a similar scenario like Nigeria’s we will
follow the new trend laughs!!!!
Photo News: what is your advice to youths to shun election violence?
so far the election has been without hitches
the conduct has been peaceful everyone casting their votes in an orderly
manner, I will like to commend the youth for their peaceful conduct the way and
manner the election is going on smoothly here in Abuja same way it’s done in
Niger too because they are same youths here and back home, but I will like to
advice the youth to shun electoral violence and participate actively and if
possible seek elective positions in government.
I will also like to use this medium to thank
the Nigerian government for their support towards the general elections in
Niger as you can observe all the logistic, security and materials are from
Nigeria’s government and the Independent Electoral Commission INEC, both
countries have shared mutual understanding and bilateral relationship for
decades we appreciate the effort of the government of Nigeria and we look
forward to more mutual collaborations in the future. Thank you.
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