The United States Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, has said the US government could impose a visa ban, among other punitive measures, on perpetrators of violence in the coming Bayelsa State governorship election.
Pierangelo said despite the difficult terrain, the US would mobilise observers to the state to ensure a free, fair and transparent process.
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She urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to be objective and operate without pressure and intimidation, adding that security agencies must also avoid interfering with the process.
The envoy, who spoke during a briefing on Wednesday at the US Consulate General on the Victoria Island, Lagos State, said she had already spoken to the leading political actors in the state, adding that the US was committed to ensuring a peaceful election in Bayelsa on Saturday.
While urging security agencies to provide a safe and impartial environment for residents to exercise their franchise, Pierangelo insisted that voter intimidation, vote buying and violence would not be tolerated.
She asked that women, the youth and people living with disabilities should be encouraged to participate.
The consul general said if presented with verifiable evidence of election violence, “the US could impose a visa ban on those indicted.”
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US Consul General