The Head of ECOWAS Observation Mission to Benin, Ghana’s immediate former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has urged the more than 100 regional observers deployed for Sunday’s presidential election to be neutral and professional in discharging their responsibilities.
“As observers, our role is clear. We are here to observe and report on the conduct of the electoral process in accordance with international standards and best practices,” he said, during the briefing of the observers in Cotonou on Friday, 10th April, before their deployment. “The success of this (task) can only be achieved when you and I agree to observe and respect the rules and methodology governing the conduct of the election, a briefing on which will be led by the ECOWAS Technical Team.”
“I therefore implore all of you… to be guided by the fundamental principles of objectivity and impartiality in your assessment, observation, and reporting on the election process,” the Head of Mission said.
Appreciating the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, for the deployment of the observers, he noted that election observation “is a valuable tool for improving the quality of elections,” adding: “Observers help build public confidence in the integrity of electoral processes.”
Continuing, the Head of Mission said: “Observation can help promote and protect voters’ civil and political rights in elections. It can lead to the correction of errors or weak practices, even while an election process is still underway. It can deter manipulation and fraud or expose such problems if they do occur.”
“Above all,” he said, “our presence demonstrates our adherence to and preference for elections as the most appropriate means of choosing our leaders, however imperfect they may be. The alternatives are far worse.”
Introducing the observers to the Head of Mission, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, leading the ECOWAS Commission’s Technical Support Team, noted that the Benin presidential poll was taking place within the context of a geopolitical shift and a high level of threats, including terrorism and insecurity globally, with Benin not an exception.
