Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has been appointed by the Commonwealth as head of its Election Observation Mission for the February 8 general elections in Pakistan.
The development was confirmed by Jonathan’s Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, in a recent statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
While confirming the development, Eze said Jonathan would lead a group of multidisciplinary experts from across the Commonwealth to observe the elections and offer an independent and comprehensive assessment of the electoral process.
Eze revealed further that the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) would be supported by a team from the Commonwealth Secretariat led by Linford Andrews, Adviser and Head of the Electoral Support Section.
According to him, the 13-member observer group will touch down in Islamabad on February 1, and stay in the country till the end of the election.
Eze quoted the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, as expressing her appreciation to Jonathan for agreeing to carry out the assignment.
Scotland stated that the group would gain from Jonathan’s leadership, experience, and wisdom.
She also extolled Pakistan’s commitment to transparency and accountability, saying the organization was happy to support the country’s democratic journey and the quest for peaceful and fair elections.
Scotland said: “I am grateful that the former President of Nigeria, Jonathan, has once again accepted our invitation to serve as Chair of an election observer group.
“The team of observers will assess the conduct of the process as a whole and, where appropriate, make recommendations for the further strengthening of the electoral system.
“It is hoped that these recommendations will be of benefit to the people and government of Pakistan in strengthening their electoral processes.”
