The Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, has applauded the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to use the Permanent Voter Card in the general elections which commenced on Saturday.
The ambassador, who spoke with journalists at the International Conference Centre, venue of the National Collation Centre of the election results, on Sunday said Nigeria’s PVC involved superior technology which his state of Virginia in the US needed to copy.
He said, “I am very impressed by the decision of INEC to use technology in this election. The Permanent Voter Cards are very high-tech.
“They are more high tech than my voter card from the state of Virginia in the US. My voter card does not have biometric. It does not have my fingerprint. The high-tech gives the process more integrity.
“I congratulate INEC on taking the part of High-tech. I think we need to come and study it so that we can use it in my country.”
The ambassador expressed hope that INEC would address the challenges experienced in the use of card readers and move forward.
Entwistle, who said he monitored the elections in Abuja, expressed satisfaction over the patience and dedication of Nigerians to the smooth conduct of the exercise.
He said, “I was extremely impressed. On Saturday, I went to number of places in the FCT. Every place I went, I was impressed by the patience and dedication of the Nigerian voter. I found that inspirational.”
Entwistle further said Nigerians had reminded the world of how beautiful democracy was.
He said the expectation of the American government “is that the Nigerian people will win”.
He added that his country’s government would be willing to work with anybody who emerged as winner of the presidential election.
He said, “I mean they (the people) will get what they want which of course is a transparent, credible and non-violent election. We look forward to working with whatever government emerges from the election.”
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