Tasked with overseeing Pakistan’s upcoming general election on February 8, 2024, the Commonwealth has designated Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Nigeria’s former president, as the leader of its Election Observation Mission. This announcement came from Jonathan’s aide, Ikechukwu Eze, in a statement released on Wednesday.
The Commonwealth Secretariat revealed that the 13-member Observer Group is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on February 1 and will remain in the country until the electoral process is concluded.
In a letter addressed to Jonathan, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, praised the ex-Nigerian president for accepting the role and expressed confidence in his leadership, experience, and wisdom benefiting the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG).
Scotland remarked, “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.” She also highlighted the hope that the recommendations would aid in enhancing Pakistan’s electoral processes with the offer of support from the Commonwealth Secretariat if needed.
The Commonwealth urged all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to uphold peaceful election practices in alignment with the Commonwealth values.
The COG, which comprises members tasked with observing and evaluating all facets of the election process across Pakistan, will assess everything from the opening of polling stations and the voting process to the tabulation of ballots and the declaration of results.
Upon completion, a final report containing recommendations to enhance future electoral processes will be presented to the government of Pakistan and the election commission, and shared with other relevant parties.