The Commonwealth has nominated former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to lead its Election Observation Mission for Pakistan’s general elections, which are slated for February 8, 2024.
Jonathan, who was Nigeria’s President from 2010 to 2015, will lead a team of multidisciplinary professionals to monitor and appraise the electoral process.
Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, thanked Jonathan for accepting the position and emphasized the importance of his leadership, expertise, and wisdom in the mission.
The 13-member Observer Group is set to arrive in Islamabad on February 1, 2024, and will remain until the completion of the electoral process.
The Commonwealth of Nations, often referred to as the Commonwealth, is an international association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire from which it developed.
The Commonwealth Secretariat, in a statement, expressed that the 13-member Observer Group is due to arrive in Islamabad on February 1, 2024 and will remain in the country until the electoral process is completed.
Scotland added, “I am grateful that the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck 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. The Commonwealth Secretariat would be ready to assist with this process, if deemed necessary.”
She also called on all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to contribute to a peaceful election in keeping with the Commonwealth values.
According to Scotland, members of the observer group will be stationed across the country all through their stay.
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