US wants Nigeria’s election body head replaced
Published:Tuesday | April 6, 2010 | 12:57 PM
The US government wants the head of Nigeria\'s election commission to be replaced ahead of new polls due in 2011.
The chairman of the Independent National Election Commission Maurice Iwu has been blamed for the flawed elections in 2007.
Mr Iwu\'s current term as the chairman of the Independent National Election Commission ends in June this year.
The Obama administration is keen that his past record be taken into account when a new chairman is appointed.
US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson said Mr Iwu is incapable of organising a credible election.
The 2007 poll overseen by Mr Iwu was widely criticised for irregularities such as ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation.
The election was won by Umaru Yar\'Adua, although legal challenges to the result lasted for months afterwards.