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<title>CANADA APPLAUDS DEMOCRATIC COMMITMENT OF NIGERIAN PEOPLE</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>April 25, 2003 <em>(1:30 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 41</strong></font><font size="+1"></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA APPLAUDS DEMOCRATIC COMMITMENT </strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>OF NIGERIAN PEOPLE</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today congratulated Nigerians on their presidential and gubernatorial elections. These
elections, held over the weekend, mark an important milestone in Nigeria's history as the country moves for the first time
from one civilian government to another.</p>
<p>"We are pleased that the elections took place peacefully in most parts of Nigeria," said Minister Graham. "Nigerians have
demonstrated their determination to see democracy consolidated in their country. While this will be a lengthy and often
difficult process, these elections mark an important step."</p>
<p>The Minister also congratulated President Obasanjo on his re-election and expressed his hope that Nigeria will continue to
exercise leadership in advancing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). NEPAD is an African-led,
comprehensive program of action designed to further development on the continent. It encourages global partnerships with
African countries that demonstrate a solid commitment to good governance, economic and social development, and poverty
reduction.</p>
<p>International and domestic observers believe the April 19 elections were credible in many of Nigeria's 36 states. They also
noted that there were a number of serious irregularities in some states, particularly in the southeastern part of the country. </p>
<p>"It is now critical that parties refrain from violence and work to resolve their differences peacefully, through the legal
means available to them," added Minister Graham. "We hope that Nigeria will address the shortcomings of the April 19
elections through appropriate judicial measures and a fully inclusive process of electoral reform."</p>
<p>Canada contributed over $1.5 million to support the electoral process in Nigeria. This included funding for the training of
domestic observers, the deployment of the Commonwealth Observer Group, a media centre in the Nigerian electoral
commission, and projects to discourage electoral violence.</p>
<p>- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Isabelle Savard</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221101412/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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