The United States government has disclosed that it would closely monitor Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.
It threatened to apply sanctions and visa restrictions on those behind violence during and after the election.
The US Embassy, in a statement on Wednesday, said the visa restrictions would be extended to family members of those who perpetrate violence.
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In the statement titled: ‘Statement on the upcoming Anambra elections,’ which was obtained by Africa Daily News, New York, the US government urged residents, electoral officers, and political stakeholders to ensure credible, free, and fair polls.
The statement reads in part, ‘The United States looks forward to a gubernatorial election in Anambra State on November 6 that is peaceful and transparent, with results that accurately reflect the will of the state’s residents.
‘We will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere with the democratic process or instigate violence against civilian populations before, during, or after the elections.
‘We will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process.
‘Under US immigration law, certain violations also may lead to restrictions on family members.’
The Saturday elections is threatened by voter apathy owing to the present unrest in the region.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
