Church volunteers to monitor elections

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has volunteered to monitor the country's forthcoming General Election. Concerned that the budding democracy introduced five years ago was not operating as it should be, the Church's Justice, Development and Peace (JDP) Committee has offered to collaborate with the country's independent and state electoral commissions, and other independent monitoring groups, to help ensure transparent elections. "The democracy initiated in 1999 as a new dawn has gradually died down with corruption still endemic, poverty and unemployment rising and an educational system which is still inefficient," said a spokesperson for the Missionary News Service. "In order to realise a credible electoral system, viable political development, good governance and a democratic culture, the Catholic Church has volunteered to monitor the 2003 general elections."