US-based International Foundation for Electoral Systems, IFES, has announced erstwhile Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, as the winner of this year’s edition of the Charles T. Mannat Democracy award.
The foundation, which administers the award, will present the honour to Prof. Jega as well as other awardees at an elaborate ceremony to hold in Washington D.C. on September 29.
The immediate past INEC chairman would be honoured under the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award category as a member of the international community who demonstrated unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights.
The Academic qualifies as the international figure for the award this year on account of his role in leading INEC to conduct one of the most credible elections in Nigeria’s history, even in the face of intimidation and sabotage by some of his own staff and officials of the past administration.
It was gathered that Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Ed Royce are to be honoured alongside the Kebbi-born elder statesman.
They will receive the awards at a special ceremony, co-chaired by IFES Board Director and Baker & Hostetler LLP Partner, Ambassador Tom McDonald and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP Partner June L. DeHart on September 29, in Washington D.C.
According to the CEO and President of IFES, Bill Sweeney, “Chairman Jega’s leadership was instrumental to Nigeria’s successful general elections in 2015.
“He deserves full credit for his efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process under extreme logistical challenges, such as terrorist threats from Boko Haram, where failure could prove the catalyst for predicted election violence”.
IFES further stated that Jega’s expert management of the 2015 general elections positioned him as a credible election administrator, adding that “The complex Nigerian electoral environment consisted of 69 million eligible voters, 155,000 polling booths and 700,000 temporary staff deployed across the country. These recent elections resulted in the country’s first democratic transfer of power.”
Responding to his nomination for the award, the former INEC chairman said, “I am deeply honoured to accept the 2015 Democracy Award from IFES.
“INEC’s long-standing partnership with IFES in preparation for the 2015 general elections resulted in a credible process accepted by Nigerian citizens and the international community. These elections have put Nigeria on the right path toward democratic stability.”
Every year, IFES, which is a leading pro-democracy organisation that advocates improved electoral systems around the world, recognizes accomplishments of individuals in advancing freedom and democracy.
The foundation does this by bestowing awards on select outstanding individuals in honour of past chairs of its Board of Directors: Charles T. Manatt and Patricia Hutar, and Senior Adviser, Joe C. Baxter.
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