The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigeria’s former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), to lead its election observation mission to Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for October 25.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ECOWAS said the mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29 in line with its supplementary protocol on democracy and good governance.
As head of mission, Osinbajo will lead a team of eminent West Africans to engage stakeholders and ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.
The regional bloc said the mission will also cooperate with other international and domestic observer groups to assess the conduct of the polls and strengthen confidence in the democratic process.
ECOWAS noted that the deployment underscores its “unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections across the West African region.”
The October 25 election is regarded as a critical test for Côte d’Ivoire’s democracy.
The President of the country, Alassane Ouattara, who is 83 years old, is seeking a fourth term in office, despite earlier pledges to step down after his current tenure.
Naijaonpoint understands that the decision has sparked political tension and renewed debate over term limits and democratic transition in the country.
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