The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission has tasked Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama to lead its delegation to observe the Nigerian elections which comes off tomorrow.
Delivering his message as leader of delegation Friday, February 24, 2023, John Mahama said the Mission was pleased with work done by the body organising the exercise, the Independent Nigerian Election Committee (INEC) as well as other stakeholders.
According to John Mahama, the INEC’s preparedness for the exercise is something commendable.
He also commended the candidates for accenting to the two Peace Accords which is to ensure that the peace that Nigerians are enjoying will not be compromised by any political leader.
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“We are pleased with the level of preparedness by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security forces policing the elections and other stakeholders involved in the elections, towards conducting a free and fair exercise.
“We are also impressed by the commitment of the candidates to support violent-free elections which they have demonstrated by signing two Peace Accords. This is a tradition that has continued to serve Nigeria well during elections, since it was introduced in 2015,” he expressed.
Highlighting on their core mandate in Nigeria regarding the polls, Mr. Mahama indicated they are not to strictly observe the polls but rather provide the needed guidance to ensure election related matters are resolved amicably.
“As a non-partisan platform for former leaders in our sub-region, our role is not to observe election in its strict sense, but to lend our support the efforts of West African countries towards consolidating their democracies.
We do this by providing advisory and mediation services to avert election-related conflicts, before, during and after elections,” he explained.
He urged all stakeholders to play their part to ensure the election becomes peaceful.
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By Felix Anim-Appau|Onuaonline.com
