May 26, (THEWILL) – The outgoing Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has been appointed to lead the Commonwealth election observer group for Sierra Leone General Elections, scheduled for June 24, 2023.
Osinbajo was appointed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, who expressed her gratitude to the outgoing vice president.
According to a statement published on its website on Thursday, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, confirmed that Osinbajo had accepted her request to chair the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG).
The Secretary-General is said to have constituted the Team upon invitation from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.
Ms Scotland expressed her confidence that Osinbajo will lead the team well, based on his understanding of the challenges across West Africa.
“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.
“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”, she said.
Scotland noted that, as a senior statesman from the region, Prof Osinbajo understands in depth the challenges across West Africa, adding that she was confident he would lead a brilliant team.
The Commonwealth Group also noted Osinbajo’s appreciation for the opportunity to chair the Commonwealth Observer Group
“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”, Osinbajo said.
A statement by the Commonwealth, said, upon arriving in Sierra Leone, the Group will 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.
