U.S. Embassy Niamey Congratulates Nigeriens for Peaceful and Orderly Local Elections, Urges Improvements before December 27 National Elections
U.S. Embassy Niamey congratulates the people of Niger on their peaceful and orderly December 13 mayoral and regional council municipal elections. U.S. Embassy election monitors noted peaceful conditions free of violence. U.S. Embassy Niamey notes, however, reports of many polling stations opening late or not having all of the required materials available. We urge Nigerien officials to address these issues prior to the December 27 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Additionally, our monitors noted at most polling locations throughout the country that voters did not wear masks or respect social distancing standards as instructed by the Ministry of Public Health. This is concerning given the increase in COVID-19 cases in Niger. We caution everyone to wear masks and respect social distancing as the best way to mitigate the spread of this deadly disease.
We recognize and appreciate the hard work and peaceful conduct of Nigerien voters, election organizers, political parties, civil society, and security forces in carrying out this election under safe conditions.
We will continue to promote democracy, human rights, press freedom, and economic prosperity in Niger and throughout the world.
We encourage Niger to continue to strengthen its democratic processes and fundamental freedoms of expression, association, speech, and assembly.
