The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E Prof Yemi Osinbajo will lead a team of distinguished experts in observing the general elections in Sierra Leone on 24th June 2023.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon
Patricia Scotland KC, confirmed today that Vice President Osinbajo has accepted
her request to chair the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG). The
Secretary-General constituted the observer group upon invitation from the
Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.
Prof Osinbajo is a Professor of Law and one of the
nation’s leading legal experts, serving as Vice President of Nigeria since May
2015. He will be joined by recognised dignitaries from various fields
including, politicians, legal, media, gender and election administration
professionals from across the Commonwealth to carry out the task.
Speaking on the appointment, the Secretary-General
said “I am grateful to His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for accepting my
invitation, to undertake this important area of our work in deepening democracy
across our Commonwealth - despite his busy schedule and overseeing a seamless
transition of his government. As a senior statesman from the region, HE
Osinbajo understands in depth the challenges across West Africa and I am
confident he will lead a brilliant team.”
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo expressed his gratitude for the
opportunity to chair the Commonwealth Observer Group. He said: “I'm highly
honoured by the unique opportunity to continue to bring my expertise and
experience in contributing to deepening democracy especially in Africa, and the
Commonwealth by extension."
Mandate of the Commonwealth Observer Group
Upon arriving in Sierra Leone, the mandate of the
Commonwealth Observer Group will be to observe the electoral process and
provide an independent assessment of whether the election has been conducted in
a credible manner. The Group will then report on the conduct of the elections
in accordance with the standards to which Sierra Leone has committed itself,
including its own laws.
In line with Commonwealth methodology, the Group will
consider, among other things, whether conditions exist for credible and inclusive
elections, including a fair election environment; whether public media has been
impartial; the transparency of the entire process; and whether voters are free
to express their will.
Upon completion of its assignment, the Group will submit its recommendations in a report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will subsequently share it with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Electoral Commission, political parties and all Commonwealth governments.
Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to lead
Commonwealth election observers in Sierra Leone