The United States, on Tuesday, commended the Federal Government for its decision to transmit the full, unedited report of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee to the National Assembly.

A statement from the US Embassy in Abuja said the action demonstrated the government’s willingness to work towards holding transparent elections in the future.

“We applaud this bold action to send the unedited report to the National Assembly, which demonstrates Nigeria’s willingness to work toward holding more transparent elections,” it said.

The statement added that the National Assembly now had the opportunity to consider a wider range of potential reforms recommended by the committee.

It expressed the hope that the Assembly would deliberate and move forward quickly on “the passage of important electoral reforms so that key steps could be taken toward holding credible elections in Nigeria in 2011.

“We encourage the Nigerian government to continue in this positive direction. 

“As a friend and partner of Nigeria, the US will continue to work with the people and government of Nigeria to strengthen and enrich democratic institutions in Nigeria, particularly regarding election reform.

“US stands ready to support the Nigerian government and the people of Nigeria in achieving free and fair national election in 2011,” it added.

It will be recalled that the Justice Uwais-led committee had recommended that the National Judicial Commission (NJC) should shortlist three persons for consideration to the National Council of State for appointment as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman.