Lagos, Nigeria - Former Ghana President John Kufuor has said the conduct of next month's general elections in Nigeria will have serious implications on the electoral processes in other African nations. 'We are really interested in seeing Nigeria achieve free and fair election because whatever happens in Nigeria would affect the rest of the continent,' said Kufuor, who is at the head of a delegation of the International Republican Institute (IRI), which is currently visiting Nigeria for a pre-election assessment.

'It is not only the election that matters but also the pre-election preparation,' he said, adding that his delegation is in Nigeria to assist the country in achieving free and fair polls.

The former Ghanaian leader said Nigerians reserved the right to give themselves the kind of government they want.

'The safety valves that nations must have is to make sure that people exercise their rights to vote and be voted for,' he said.

While in Nigeria during its four-day visit, the delegation will assess the progress of preparations, logistics and the overall environment for the polls.

The delegation will meet with Nigerian officials in the executive branch and the National Assembly as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Other members of the delegation include Dan Fisk, IRI's vice president for policy and strategic planning, elections consultant of over 30 years Charles Lasham and Director of Michael Ansari African Centre at the Atlantic Council, Martin Kimani.

Others are Secretary General for the convention of Ivorian Civil Society, Fernand Julien Gauze, regional director of IRI's Africa division Paul Fagan and country director of the institute's Nigeria programme Mourtada Deme.

The delegation is billed to meet the media at the end of the visit, to discuss findings and make recommendations.

Pana 03/03/2011