According to a report by Punch on January 31, 2024, former President Goodluck Jonathan has been appointed by the Commonwealth as the leader of its Election Observation Mission for Pakistan’s upcoming general elections. The election is scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024. Jonathan’s aide, Ikechukwu Eze, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday…….CONTINUE READING>>>>>>
The Commonwealth of Nations, an international association of 56 member states, selected Jonathan to head a group of experts from various Commonwealth countries who will observe the elections in Pakistan and provide an independent and comprehensive assessment of the electoral process, as stated in the statement.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, expressed her appreciation to Jonathan for accepting the assignment and mentioned that the Commonwealth Observer Group would benefit from his leadership, experience, and wisdom, according to a letter she sent. The 13-member Observer Group is expected to arrive in Islamabad on February 1, 2024, and will stay in the country until the electoral process concludes, as stated by the Commonwealth Secretariat in a separate statement.
Scotland also called on all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to contribute to a peaceful election in line with Commonwealth values. The members of the observer group will be stationed throughout Pakistan during their stay and will engage with various stakeholders, such as political party representatives, election officials, the media, and civil society groups.
The Commonwealth Observer Group will observe and evaluate all aspects of the election process in Pakistan, from the opening of polling stations and the voting process to the counting of ballots and the announcement of results. The group will hold a press conference and issue an interim statement with preliminary findings after the election day. A final report, including recommendations to improve future electoral processes, will be presented to the government of Pakistan and the Election Commission, and it will also be shared with other stakeholders, as outlined by the Commonwealth.….CONTINUE READING>>>>>>
