Nigerian Elections Postponed as Fight Against Boko Haram Escalates

Brendan O’Connor

The Nigerian electoral commission has decided to postpone the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for February 14th, the Associated Press reports. The six-week delay will allow a newly-formed multinational force the opportunity to reclaim areas controlled by Boko Haram.

Two weeks ago, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry encouraged Nigeria to hold the elections as scheduled. “It’s imperative that these elections on time as scheduled,” Kerry said. This would be “one of the best ways to fight back against Boko Haram.” Boko Haram, however, has driven 1.5 million people from their homes in Nigeria’s northeast—millions of people who, the AP reports, could be disenfranchised if voting went ahead.READ MORE