ASHENEWS reports that the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has approved the deployment of 15 Long-term Election Observers (LTOs) to monitor key stages in the electoral process leading up to the country’s general elections on 10th October 2023.
The mission, to be headed by Mr. Serigne Mamadou KA, Ag. Head of the Electoral Assistance Division, comprises experts in election administration, gender and civil society, constitutional law, security, and the media.
According to the ECOWAS, the LTO Mission will be in the country until 15th October 2023, to observe the electoral processes and also serve as an early warning mechanism for preventive diplomacy.
“During their stay, the electoral experts will hold working sessions with various stakeholders, including the National Elections Commission (NEC), government, civil society organizations, the media, security agencies, as well as political parties and candidates, toward ensuring a smooth electoral process,” the ECOWAS said.
The ECOWAS added that the LTOs will be reinforced on 3rd October by 80 of their Short-Term colleagues) drawn from the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, ECOWAS Parliament, and Community Court of Justice, member States’ foreign ministries, electoral management bodies, as well as civil society organisations.
The combined observation Mission, to be led by Prof Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria will be deployed across Liberia’s 15 Counties including the national capital, Monrovia.
The Mission will issue a Preliminary Declaration within 48 hours after the elections, to be followed by a detailed Final Report on its observations.
