By ManoReporters Writer
Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will lead the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) to Sierra Leone, the Commonwealth has announced.
Mr Osinbajo, who is set to step down as Vice President of Nigeria when his government’s term of office comes to an end next week, will be leading a delegation of distinguished officials from the Commonwealth to observe the June 24th elections, the organization said in a statement.
The statement issued on Thursday notes that Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland constituted the observer group which is made up of a team of distinguished experts upon the invitation from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
One of Nigeria’s leading legal experts, Prof. Onsinbajo, in office since 1015, has played a leading role in efforts to democratize West Africa, representing his country at many fora organized by ECOWAS.
“As a senior statesman from the region, H.E. Osinbajo understands in depth, the challenges across West Africa and I am confident he will lead a brilliant team,” Ms Scotland was quoted.
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s statement says the delegation will comprise high profile dignitaries from various fields, including politicians, legal, media, gender and election administration professionals from across the Commonwealth. It adds that the team’s mandate is to observe the electoral process and provide an independent assessment of whether the election is conducted in a credible manner.
“In line with Commonwealth methodology, the Group will consider, among other things, whether conditions exist for credible and inclusive elections, including a fair election environment; whether public media has been impartial; the transparency of the entire process; and whether voters are free to express their will.”
The team is expected to submit its report containing recommendations to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will subsequently share it with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Electoral Commission, political parties and all Commonwealth governments.
Osinbajo’s office issued a statement on Friday confirming his appointment and acceptance. It quoted the outgoing Vice President saying that he was “highly honoured by the unique opportunity to continue to bring my expertise and experience in contributing to deepening democracy…”
