The British government has expressed concern over the forthcoming general election in Nigeria, saying that time is running out for a credible election in 2011.
Bob Dewar, the British High Commissioner to the West African country, said in a statement to reporters in Abuja on Wednesday that although the
nomination of a new chairman and commissioners for the electoral body was an important move, "the clock is ticking".
Dewar said that if their nominations are formally approved, there are many urgent things to be done if there are to be credible elections early next
year.
"For a start, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs a budget and plan, and the electoral register needs updating," the statement
added.
The statement expressed the need for a level-playing field for all candidates, noting that each vote should count.
It said political parties need to show internal democracy in their primaries, adding that all political and other leaders also need to stand
out against violence.
"From the outset, politicians need to practice good conduct and leadership by their behavior and that is if they really want to deepen Nigeria's
democracy," the statement said.
"Africa and the world are watching," it added.