WAEF deploys Election Mission to Liberia

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Ahead of the Liberia October 10 Presidential Election, the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) has deployed an election mission to Monrovia.

The election has former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as lead while other members of the election are former Prime Minister of Burkima Faso and one-time President of the Economic Community of West African States, Kadre Quedraogo,.

A statement from Wealth Dickson Ominabo, Communications officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation quoted the Executive Director of Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and Head of the WAEF Secretariat, Ms Ann Iyonu, as saying that members of the mission would “be holding consultations with the candidates, managers of the elections, and observer missions and other key stakeholders towards ensuring peaceful and successful outcomes.”

“The team would be on hand to observe how the elections progress to offer their support towards peaceful elections and the consolidation of democracy in the country, leveraging their experiences as former leaders of the sub-region.

“They will meet with critical stakeholders, including President George Weah, who is seeking re-election, opposition leaders, the electoral management body and the security authorities.

“Members of the WAEF Mission, which is billed to be in Liberia for about ten days, would visit polling stations in Monrovia to observe Election Day procedures and results collation process and remain engaged until the results are declared”, he stated.

The statement also explained that “the role of WAEF Mission is to provide advisory, mediation, and conflict resolution support services to the political leaders of the sub-region,” adding that the members would “remain in the country until the election procedures are peacefully concluded.”

The Mission’s engagements in the country would be guided by the experience and wisdom of its members who, as former Presidents and leaders in the sub-region, had managed elections and overseen successful conflict resolution and peace processes.

WAEF had carried out similar missions in Gambia, Nigeria and lately Sierra Leone.