April elections marks the beginning of true democracy -Jonathan

African Examiner

31 March 2011

April elections marks the beginning of true democracy -Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has said the year 2011 marks the beginning of true

democracy in the country as his administration is resolved to engender a credible

electoral process where every vote is counted and leaders are not imposed on the people.

Speaking when he received a group of 21 leaders of Civil Society Organisations on courtesy call in State House yesterday, President Jonathan called for concerted efforts from the civil society groups and all Nigerians against violence and rigging of any kind at the forthcoming polls.

“We must all collectively condemn electoral violence because if we damage the

country, then we lose collectively. You must stand up against electoral violence

and rigging of election irrespective of political parties. I am a PDP person but if PDP is involved in violent campaigns, you have to condemn such very strongly and clearly. I have told my PDP family that nobody should rig for me. We must conduct free and fair general elections, and every vote of the electorate must count come April,” President Jonathan stated.

President Jonathan also urged the civil society leaders to stand up for justice and

fairness at all times and not compromise their integrity for anything.

“I urge you to play your role very well as observers in monitoring the fair conduct of the forthcoming elections. You should observe and report unbiased to the rest of society. Continue to do things the way they should be done and do not

compromise your integrity. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you must stand out so that people will spot the difference between you and others and appreciate your sacrifices.”