20101015
reuters

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria needs to move quickly to establish a new election timetable and get on with registering voters if it is to hold credible polls next year, a group of international observers said on Friday.

U.S.-based election watchdog the National Democratic Institute (NDI) said after a five-day visit that important steps had been taken to improve on the country's previous flawed votes but that "vigorous action" was still required.

"There are encouraging developments in Nigeria's election process," an NDI delegation led by former Botswanan President Ketumile Masire and former Canadian prime minister Joe Clark said in a statement following the visit.

"However, concerted efforts are required to clarify the electoral calendar, implement practicable improvements and inspire public confidence and participation," it said.

Presidential and parliamentary elections in Africa's most populous nation have been marred by violence, voter intimidation and fraud since the end of military rule just over a decade ago.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who is standing in the forthcoming polls, has vowed to make the next vote credible, although time is running out for the electoral authorities.

He said on Friday the elections must be held in time to ensure the next leader can be sworn in on May 29.

"The present administration ... has a constitutional mandate of four years and not a day more. This mandate will expire on May 29, 2011 and the president fully intends to keep that date with history," his office said in a statement.