GEJ Calls On Tanzanians To Ensure Transparent Elections
The former president of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan has arrived in Tanzania as the chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) to monitor the October 25 general election in the country.
This Day reports that during his arrival press briefing, Jonathan called on the Tanzanian National Electoral Commission, political parties and the civil society is the country to ensure a peaceful and transparent election.
The ex-president, who was accompanied by other members of the observer group drawn from different parts of the Commonwealth, noted that the success of the upcoming elections depends on “every stakeholder playing their part in a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner”.
Speaking about the Commonwealth’s observation role, Jonathan said:
“During our time in Tanzania, we will seek to assess the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post-election period, against the backdrop of Tanzania’s national legislation, regional and international commitments.
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“We will perform our observation role with impartiality, independence and transparency. On Friday, 23 October, members of the group will deploy in small teams to various provinces across the country to observe preparations ahead of polling day. On Election Day, they will observe opening, voting, closing, counting and the results management process.
“We will issue an interim statement on our preliminary findings shortly after the elections. A final report will be prepared in Tanzania. It will be submitted to the secretary-general, and subsequently shared with relevant stakeholders and the public. The group is scheduled to depart Tanzania on October 31," he said.
Jonathan thanked H.E. Kamalesh Sharma, the Commonwealth secretary-general, for the invitation and noted that it was a great honour and privilege for him to lead the Commonwealth group to Tanzania’s general election.
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“The group was constituted following an invitation extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania.
“Our group comprises 14 eminent persons drawn from across different regions of the Commonwealth, including Africa, Asia and the Caribbean,” he said.
Jonathan added that the group, which includes experts in politics, elections, media, conflict prevention and youth affairs, would meet with the National Electoral Commission, political parties, civil society organisations and other international and local observer groups.
Meanwhile, people of the country are anxious and happy that the former Nigerian leader will lead a 33-nation observer mission. Describing him as “a hero of free and fair elections in Africa”, Tanzanians are sure that Jonathan’s presence will bring credibility to the polls.
Source: Legit.ng
