Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been nominated by the Commonwealth to lead its Election Observation Mission for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, scheduled for February 8, 2024.
Having served as Nigeria’s President from 2010 to 2015, Jonathan will head a team of diverse professionals tasked with monitoring and evaluating the electoral process.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland expressed gratitude to Jonathan for accepting the role, highlighting the significance of his leadership, expertise, and wisdom in the mission.
The Observer Group, comprising 13 members, is slated to arrive in Islamabad on February 1, 2024, and will remain in the country until the conclusion of the electoral process.
The Commonwealth, an international association of 56 member states, primarily consisting of former British Empire territories, issued a statement through its Secretariat, confirming the arrival date of the Observer Group and their commitment to staying until the completion of the electoral process.
Scotland stated, “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.
“It is hoped that these recommendations will be of benefit to the people and government of Pakistan in strengthening their electoral processes. The Commonwealth Secretariat would be ready to assist with this process, if deemed necessary.”
As part of their mission, members of the observer group will be stationed throughout the country during their stay.
