The Commonwealth has appointed ex Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan as head of the election observers' group for the Pakistan presidential polls.
Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has been appointed as the head of the Commonwealth's Election Observation Mission for Pakistan's general election scheduled for February 8, 2024.
The Commonwealth Secretariat, in a statement, said the 13-member Observer Group is due to arrive in Islamabad on February 1, and will remain in the country until the electoral process is completed.
Patricia Scotland, the Rt Hon Commonwealth Secretary-General, praised the former Nigerian president for accepting the task, highlighting that his leadership, experience, and wisdom would be valuable to the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG).
Scotland said: "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."
She urged all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to play a role in ensuring a peaceful election in alignment with Commonwealth values.
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