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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 611 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 611

Supporting the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission 
    of the Government of Nigeria, political parties, civil society, 
 religious organizations, and the people of Nigeria, to facilitate the 
first democratic transition of Nigeria from one civilian government to 
       another in the general elections to be held in April 2007.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

           September 30 (legislative day, September 29), 2006

  Mr. Feingold (for himself, Mr. Hagel, Ms. Landrieu, and Mr. DeWine) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                          on Foreign Relations

                           November 16, 2006

             Committee discharged; considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

Supporting the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission 
    of the Government of Nigeria, political parties, civil society, 
 religious organizations, and the people of Nigeria, to facilitate the 
first democratic transition of Nigeria from one civilian government to 
       another in the general elections to be held in April 2007.

Whereas the United States maintains strong and friendly relations with Nigeria 
        and values the leadership role that Nigeria plays throughout the 
        continent of Africa, particularly in the establishment of the New 
        Partnership for African Development and the African Union;
Whereas Nigeria is an important strategic partner with the United States in 
        combating terrorism, promoting regional stability, and improving energy 
        security;
Whereas Nigeria has been, and continues to be, a leading supporter of the 
        peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations and the Economic Community of 
        West African States by contributing troops to operations in Lebanon, 
        Yugoslavia, Kuwait, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra 
        Leone, Somalia, Rwanda, and Sudan;
Whereas past corruption and poor governance have resulted in weak political 
        institutions, crumbling infrastructure, a feeble economy, and an 
        impoverished population;
Whereas political aspirants and the democratic process of Nigeria are being 
        threatened by increasing politically-motivated violence, including the 
        assassination of 3 gubernatorial candidates in different states during 
        the previous 2 months; and
Whereas the Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission has--

    (1) announced that governorship and state assembly elections will be 
held on April 14, 2007;

    (2) stated that voting for the president and national assembly will 
take place on April 21, 2007; and

    (3) vowed to organize free and fair elections to facilitate a smooth 
democratic transition: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the importance of Nigeria as a strategic 
        partner and long-time friend of the United States;
            (2) acknowledges the increasing significance of the 
        leadership of Nigeria throughout the region and continent;
            (3) commends the decision of the National Assembly of 
        Nigeria to reject an amendment to the constitution that would 
        have lifted the existing 2-term limit and allowed for a third 
        presidential term;
            (4) encourages the Government of Nigeria and the 
        Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate a 
        commitment to successful democratic elections by--
                    (A) developing an aggressive plan for voter 
                registration and education;
                    (B) addressing charges of past or intended 
                corruption in a transparent manner; and
                    (C) conducting objective and unbiased recruitment 
                and training of election officials;
            (5) urges the Government of Nigeria to respect the freedoms 
        of association and assembly, including the right of candidates, 
        members of political parties, and others--
                    (A) to freely assemble;
                    (B) to organize and conduct public events; and
                    (C) to exercise those and other rights in a manner 
                free from intimidation or harassment;
            (6) urges a robust effort by the law enforcement and 
        judicial officials of Nigeria to enforce the rule of law, 
        particularly by--
                    (A) preventing and investigating politically-
                motivated violence; and
                    (B) prosecuting those suspected of such acts;
            (7) urges--
                    (A) President Bush to ensure that the United States 
                supports the democratic gains made in Nigeria during 
                the last 8 years; and
                    (B) the Government of Nigeria to actively seek the 
                support of the international community for democratic, 
                free, and fair elections in April 2007; and
            (8) expresses the support of the United States for 
        coordinated efforts by the Government of Nigeria and the 
        Independent National Electoral Commission to work with 
        political parties, civil society, religious organizations, and 
        other entities to organize a peaceful political transition 
        based on free and fair elections in April 2007 to further 
        consolidate the democracy of Nigeria.
                                 <all>
```