III 

109TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 575 

Supporting the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission 

of the Government of Nigeria, political parties, civil society, and religious 

organizations to facilitate the first democratic transition of Nigeria from 

1 civilian government to another in the general elections to be held 

in April 2007. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

SEPTEMBER 20, 2006 

Mr. FEINGOLD (for himself and Mr. HAGEL) submitted the following 

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations 

RESOLUTION 

Supporting the efforts of the Independent National Electoral 

Commission of the Government of Nigeria, political parties, civil society, and religious organizations to facilitate 

the first democratic transition of Nigeria from 1 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 

the United States plays throughout the continent of Africa, particularly in the establishment of the New Partnership for African Development and the African Union; 


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•SRES 575 IS 

Whereas Nigeria is an important strategic partner with the 

United States in combating terrorism, promoting regional 

stability, and improving energy security; 

Whereas Nigeria is a leading contributor to global peacekeeping efforts, including operations in Lebanon, Yugoslavia, Kuwait, the Democratic Republic of Congo, 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 votes 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 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) recognizes the importance of Nigeria as a 

3 strategic partner and long-time friend of the United 

4 States; 


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1 (2) acknowledges the rising prominence of Ni2 geria as a leader and role model throughout the re3 gion and continent; 

4 (3) commends the decision of the National As5 sembly of Nigeria to reject an amendment to the 

6 constitution that would have allowed for a third 

7 presidential term; 

8 (4) encourages the Government of Nigeria and 

9 the Independent National Electoral Commission to 

10 demonstrate a commitment to successful democratic 

11 elections by— 

12 (A) developing an aggressive plan for voter 

13 registration and education; 

14 (B) addressing charges of past or intended 

15 corruption in a transparent manner; and 

16 (C) conducting objective and unbiased re17 cruitment and training of election officials; 

18 (5) urges the Government of Nigeria to respect 

19 the freedoms of association and assembly, including 

20 the right of candidates, members of political parties, 

21 and others— 

22 (A) to freely assemble; 

23 (B) to organize and conduct public events; 

24 and 


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1 (C) to exercise those and other rights in a 

2 manner free from intimidation or harassment; 

3 (6) urges a robust effort by the law enforce4 ment and judicial officials of Nigeria to enforce the 

5 rule of law, particularly by— 

6 (A) preventing and investigating politically7 motivated violence; and 

8 (B) prosecuting those suspected of such 

9 acts; 

10 (7) urges— 

11 (A) President Bush to ensure that the 

12 United States supports the Government of Ni13 geria in that regard; and 

14 (B) the Government of Nigeria to actively 

15 seek the support of the international community 

16 for democratic, free, and fair elections in April 

17 2007; and 

18 (8) expresses the support of the United States 

19 for coordinated efforts by the Government of Nigeria 

20 and the Independent National Electoral Commission 

21 to work with political parties, civil society, religious 

22 organizations, and other entities to organize a peace23 ful political transition based on free and fair elecVerDate Aug 31 2005 02:42 Sep 21, 2006 Jkt 049200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\SR575.IS SR575

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1 tions in April 2007 to further consolidate the democ2 racy of Nigeria. 

Æ 


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