Mogae gives thumbs up to Nigerian elections

Said the Chairman of the mission, former president, Festus Mogae: "The April 2011 elections marked a genuine celebration of democracy in Africa's most populous country and a key member of the Commonwealth."

The former president was briefing journalists on interim results of the poll that has returned incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Monday. "Previously held notions that Nigeria can only hold flawed elections are now being discarded," Mogae said. "This country can now shake off that stigma and redeem its image.