The United States government has expressed displeasure over Nigeria’s conduct of the 2019 general election.

The US, however, said it would continue to follow closely, the supplementary elections.

In a statement by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, the US said like many observer groups noted, it was disappointed as well, by the low voter turnout and reports of voter-intimidation, vote-buying, interference by security forces, and violence in some locations.

As a result of the acts of violence perpetuated during the election, the US expressed sadness and extended its deepest sympathy to the families of those who died, including those who worked for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies.

It restated an earlier position that it had no preferred party or candidate, but supports a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results.

“The United States, once again, congratulates the Nigerian people’s commitment to the democratic process throughout the election season. The United States supports a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results. As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow closely the still ongoing elections. We do not have a preferred party or candidate.

“As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary reports, we, too, were disappointed by the low voter turnout as well as credible reports of voter-intimidation, vote-buying, interference by security forces, and violence in some locations.

“We are saddened by those acts of violence and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, including those who worked for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security services.

“As the 2019 electoral cycle comes to an end, we urge all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful process, especially for the many Nigerians across the country who again will go to polls tomorrow,” the US said.

The US further encouraged all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to continue to improve the electoral process for future elections.

•Sourced from a Daily Sun report

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