Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, who is leading the Commonwealth election observer mission to Tanzania, has urged the loser of Sunday’s Tanzanian presidential election to promptly acknowledge it in the interest of the country’s peace and unity.
Jonathan, said: “If you lose, accept defeat,” warning that any attempt to reject the will of the people can only lead to chaos. He reminded stakeholders that he immediately accepted defeat after losing his re-election bid early this year because he did not want personal ambition to derail democracy in Nigeria.
“I was concerned about allowing my personal ambition to scuttle a democratic system I had helped to nurture.”
In any election, there are winners and losers. The presidential candidate who loses on Sunday should gracefully concede the election to avert a political crisis.”
Jonathan further noted that successful elections will depend on how each stakeholder plays his or her role to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and transparent electoral process.
“I’m confident Tanzanians will achieve this,” he said giving the assurance that the Commonwealth Observers Group would perform their observation role with impartiality, independence and transparency. He also said the group would issue an interim statement on the preliminary findings shortly after the elections, while a final report would be prepared in Tanzania. -TheAfricaeye.
