H.E. Mr Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania, speaks at the Commission on Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health 2011 press conference
Highlight

Former President of Tanzania,Jakaya Kikwete, to head Commonwealth Observer Group for Nigerian elections

427

The former president of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, will lead the Commonwealth Observer Group for the general elections in Nigeria, scheduled for 16 February.

An advance group of observers was deployed to Nigeria on 29 January, while other members of the team are expected to arrive in Abuja on 8 February, the Commonwealth said Wednesday.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, constituted the observer group following an invitation from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.  Members include politicians, diplomats and experts in law, human rights, gender and election administration from across the Commonwealth.

 

.”The Commonwealth has a long history of observing elections in member countries, in solidarity with electors as they choose their leaders, and in support of efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in accordance with the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter, said a statement obtained by Per Second News.

The Commonwealth has observed the previous five elections in Nigeria, and I am pleased to be deploying so distinguished a group to again support the nation in its continuing journey of democratic development,” said Secretary-General Scotland.

The Commonwealth Observer Group’s mandate is to observe and consider factors affecting the credibility of the electoral process as a whole.  It will assess whether the elections have been conducted in accordance with the standards for democratic elections to which Nigeria has committed itself, with reference to national legislation and relevant regional, Commonwealth and international commitments. Where appropriate, the Group can also make recommendations for the future strengthening of the electoral framework.

The Commonwealth Observer Group will consider the pre-election environment and election preparations. Members will be deployed to various regions of the country where they will observe the voting, vote-counting and results procedures.

The Group will submit its final report for consideration by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and she will in turn share it with the Government of Nigeria, INEC and political parties before conveying it to all Commonwealth governments.  It will then be made public.

The Group will be supported by Commonwealth Secretariat staff led by Ms Katalaina Sapolu, Senior Director of the Governance and Peace Directorate.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is composed of:

His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete, Chairperson

Former President

United Republic of Tanzania
Dr Lesley Clark

Gender Specialist

Australia

 

Mr Gary Dunn

Former Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General

Australia

 

Mr Omar Jallow

Politician

The Gambia

 

Dr Emmanuel Akwetey

Executive Director, Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG)

Ghana

 

Mr Prosper Bani

Politician

Ghana

 

Hon Emmanuel Bombande

Senior Mediation Adviser, United Nations

Ghana

 

Dr Shahabuddin Yaqoob Quraishi

Former Chief Election Commissioner of India

India

 

Mr Orrette Fisher

Elections Consultant

Jamaica

 

Ms Jedidah Waruhiu

Commissioner, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

Kenya

 

Adv. Notemba Tjipueja

Chairperson

Electoral Commission

Namibia

 

Dr Eric Kwa

Lawyer

Papua New Guinea

 

Mr Ernest Sagaga

Head, Human Rights & Safety

International Federation of Journalists

Rwanda

 

Mrs Marcella Samba-Sesay

Chairperson National Election Watch (NEW)

Sierra Leone

 

Ms Crystal Orderson

Regional Director, The Africa Report

South Africa

 

Ms Joy Napier

Commonwealth Youth & Human Rights Representative

St Kitts & Nevis

 

Ms Elizabeth Donnelly

Deputy Head & Research Fellow, Chatham House

United Kingdom

 

Ms Linda Duffield

Retired Diplomat

Former Chief Executive, Westminster Foundation for Democracy

United Kingdom

 

Mr Musa Mwenye

Former Attorney General

Zambia

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Senate confirms 5 INEC RECs

The Senate has confirmed the appointments of five Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs)...

I am Single But Not Searching, –Nkechi Blessing Declares

    Controversial Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing has confirmed she is currently...

Oyo Power Boost: FG Approves Key Energy Projects, Revives Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant

By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah In a decisive push to upgrade Nigeria’s electricity...

Breaking: 2025 UTME Results Under Fire: JAMB Admits Errors, Promises Review

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has acknowledged errors that impacted...

Why we ditched PDP – Kebbi senators

Barely seven days after six House of Representatives members defected to the...

Updated: Court Reserves Judgment on Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Case June 27

    A suit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha before the...

House of Reps Rejects Bill to Limit INEC’s Power, Six Others

A move to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which would have significantly reduced...

Ancelotti Bids Farewell to Real Madrid

By Samuel Akpan with additional agency report Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti...

22nd National Sports Festival: NOC Unveils Safeguarding Handbook, SAFE SPACE to Protect Athletes

In a significant step towards prioritizing athlete welfare and safety at the...

NJI to Judges: Ensure Safety, Protection of Women, Children, Marginalized

The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has called on judicial officers nationwide to...

US-China Tariff Truce: China Lifts Ban on Boeing Plane Deliveries

China has lifted its ban on airlines taking delivery of Boeing aircraft...

Just in: Court adjourns suit challenging Fubara, deputy governor’s suspension to May 26

A suit challenging the suspension of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy...

Tinubu Swears In New INEC Commissioners, CCB Board Members

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in two newly appointed commissioners of the...

Nigeria’s Oil Output Jumps 6% to 1.4mbpd in April – NUPRC

Nigeria’s oil production has increased to 1,485,700 barrels per day (bpd) in...

Olubolade, ex-Bayelsa military governor, ex-minister slumps, dies in Lagos 

A one-time Military Administrator of Bayelsa State and former Minister of Police...

CAF U20 Championship: Flying Eagles Determined to Secure FIFA World Cup Ticket Against Senegal

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against Senegal...

NPA Rubbishes Allegation of Multi-Billion Naira Graft, Says It’s False

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has refuted online reports alleging multi-billion naira...

Remo Stars Make History as NPFL Champions

Remo Stars Football Club has been crowned the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football...

Arsenal Denies Liverpool Win, Secures Late Draw

By Samuel Akpan with additional agency report In a thrilling match at...