The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Pre-election Mediation Mission has advised Nigeria to makes its 2023 general election worthy of emulation by other countries in the region.
The leader of the Mission, Ernest Bai Koroma, stated this while addressing a news conference on the forum’s post-mission statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Koroma, a former President of Sierra Leone, said that the successful conduct of peaceful, credible, inclusive, free and fair elections in Nigeria, would clearly set a good example for others to follow.
“Our region, West Africa, of late has experienced some reversal in democratic practice with unconstitutional change of government in some countries.
“At the heart of the instability within the sub-region, is the issue of disputed elections and citizen disaffection.
“The 2023 general elections in Nigeria is crucial not just for Nigeria alone but for West Africa and the African continent.
“They are the first of three to be held in the region next year.
“The successful conduct of peaceful, credible, inclusive, free and fair elections here will clearly set a good example for others to follow.
“This will not only send a message that democracy is here to stay in West Africa but will also resuscitate hope at a time when the sub-region is plagued with various challenges,” he said.
Koroma called on Nigerians to exercise their rights to civic participation both before and during the 2023 general elections without fear, while also respecting the rights of others to do the same.
He also urged all Nigerians, who registered recently, to use the opportunity to take the initiative to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
On the mission’s strategic engagements with key stakeholders from Sunday to Tuesday, Koroma expressed optimism that a secure and free environment and a level-playing field would be guaranteed for all citizens and political actors, irrespective of political affiliations.
“Having conducted this mission, the Forum notes the following:
“We appreciate all stakeholders for their genuine interest in the political process and for welcoming us and granting us audience, despite their busy schedules.
“We commend President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other key stakeholders for the level of progress achieved in the preparations for the forthcoming elections.
“In our engagements with various stakeholders, we were encouraged by their confidence in the electioneering process and the determination to work for free and fair elections.
“We are pleased with the willingness of the candidates and leaders of the political parties we met to promote issue-based campaigns and we encourage them to continue to do so.
“We note that although some stakeholders expressed some concerns and misgivings, we were assured by relevant authorities that all concerns will be adequately addressed ahead of the elections.
“We are optimistic that a secure and free environment and a level-playing field will be guaranteed for all citizens and political actors, irrespective of political affiliations.
“INEC has assured us that the permanent voters’ cards of all new registrants are ready, and distribution at the local government offices will commence on Monday, December 12.”
Koroma said that the WAEF would stay engaged and follow the process before, during and after the general elections until a smooth and peaceful transition is achieved.
He said that the forum would not only deploy teams to monitor the important election, but also mediate for credible polls whenever the need arises.
Other members of the three-man delegation are former Vice President of the Gambia, Fatoumata Tambajang.
Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambers, former President of the ECOWAS Commission and former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) was also a member of the delegation.
WAEF was established to serve as a home-grown and non-partisan platform for past Heads of State and Government, former Presidents of the ECOWAS Commission and other prominent statesmen in West Africa.
As a platform, the Forum draws on the experience, wisdom and standing of its members to provide advisory, mediation, and conflict resolution support services to the political leaders of the sub-region.
One of the principal objectives of the Forum is to assist West African countries in their various efforts at consolidating their democracies, through free, fair elections and peaceful transitions.
In doing so, the Forum offers its good offices before, during and after elections to ensure that any dispute that may arise do not degenerate into an open conflict and are resolved according to the demands of the rule of law.
The forum has, since its inception, successfully played an active role in mediating peaceful elections in the Gambia and seeking to resolve political crises within the sub-region. (NAN)
