A 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 from one civilian government to another in to he general elections to be held in April 2007.

Bill: 109-sres-611
Sponsor: Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI]
Introduced: 2006-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Africa (Sub-Saharan)
Bush (George W.) Administration
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Commemorations
Congressional tributes
Constitutional amendments
Crime and Law Enforcement
Criminal investigation
Democracy
Election administration
Election candidates
Foreign leaders
Freedom of association
Government Operations and Politics
Human rights
Law
Nigeria
Political parties
Political violence
President and foreign policy
Presidential term of office
Prosecution
Public corruption
Right of assembly
Term limits
Voter registration
Voting

Summary:
action_date: 2006-09-29
text: 
 Recognizes Nigeria's importance as a strategic partner and long-time friend of the United States.
 
 Acknowledges the increasing significance of Nigeria's leadership throughout the region and continent. 
 
Commends the National Assembly of Nigeria's decision to reject a constitutional amendment that would have lifted the existing two-term limit and allowed for a third presidential term.
 
 Encourages the government of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate a commitment to democratic elections by: (1) developing a voter registration and education plan; (2) addressing corruption charges; and (3) conducting unbiased recruitment and training of election officials.
 
Urges the government of Nigeria to respect the freedoms of association and assembly, including the right of candidates, members of political parties, and others to assemble and conduct public events free from intimidation.
 
Urges a robust effort by Nigeria's law enforcement and judicial officials to enforce the rule of law, particularly by preventing and investigating politically-motivated violence and prosecuting those suspected of such acts.
 
Urges: (1) President Bush to ensure that the United States supports Nigeria's democratic gains made during the last eight years; and (2) the government of Nigeria to seek international support for free elections in April 2007.
 
Expresses U.S. support 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 democratic transition based on free elections in April 2007.

action_date: 2006-11-16
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

 
Recognizes Nigeria's importance as a strategic partner and long-time friend of the United States.
 
Acknowledges the increasing significance of Nigeria's leadership throughout the region and continent. 
 
Commends the National Assembly of Nigeria's decision to reject a constitutional amendment that would have lifted the existing two-term limit and allowed for a third presidential term.
 
Encourages the government of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission to demonstrate a commitment to democratic elections by: (1) developing a voter registration and education plan; (2) addressing corruption charges; and (3) conducting unbiased recruitment and training of election officials.
 
Urges the government of Nigeria to respect the freedoms of association and assembly, including the right of candidates, members of political parties, and others to assemble and conduct public events free from intimidation.
 
Urges a robust effort by Nigeria's law enforcement and judicial officials to enforce the rule of law, particularly by preventing and investigating politically-motivated violence and prosecuting those suspected of such acts.
 
Urges: (1) President Bush to ensure that the United States supports Nigeria's democratic gains made during the last eight years; and (2) the government of Nigeria to seek international support for free elections in April 2007.
 
Expresses U.S. support 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 democratic transition based on free elections in April 2007.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2006-11-16
text: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S11101)
action_date: 2006-11-16
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S11101)
action_date: 2006-11-16
text: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11097-11102)
action_date: 2006-11-16
text: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S11097-11102)
action_date: 2006-09-30
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced:  CR S10758)
action_date: 2006-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate