Canada High Commissioner to Nigeria, Perry Calderwood, has expressed the readiness of his country to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) in the conduct of 2014 governorship election in Ekiti state and the 2015 general elections.
Calderwood stated this in Ado-Ekiti during a one-day Regional Conference on Promoting Gender Development and Increased Participation of Women in Democratic Governance in South West Nigeria.
The event WHICH held at THE Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort was organised by the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) in partnership with Canadian government, under the department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada Fund for Local Initiative.
Although Calderwood did not specify the nature of assistance, he said: “As a country, Canada cannot impose on Nigeria to accept any device that can assist them in curbing election malpractices, but if the Nigerian government asks for any assistance in this regard, we shall provide it.”
He added that “up to now, there has not been any discussion on the mode of assistance.”
The envoy itemised other areas of collaboration with Nigeria to include women
participation in politics and gender equality.
“As a strong supporter of democratic development, Canada welcomed the contributions of civil society and public institutions to 2011 elections .We remain engaged as Nigeria prepares for the elections in 2015, including support to the INEC and National Assembly.”
According to him, Nigerians have been vocal in recent years in calling for increased accountability and respect for the rule of law.
“I applaud efforts to combat corruption and to introduce reforms to make government more efficient and effective in delivering services.”