The Commonwealth Observer Group has called for peaceful elections that will reflect the will of the people, while launching election observation activities in Sierra Leone.
Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), H.E. Prof Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria, at a press conference today urged all citizens in Sierra Leone to do their part to ensure that a peaceful and credible process takes place during elections on 24 June.
Prof. Osinbajo said: “The eyes of more than 2.5 billion people of the Commonwealth – more than 60% of whom are young people under the age of 30 – will be upon Sierra Leone. Watching, in solidarity and in hope.
“The peaceful and prosperous future of the nation lies in your hands. And in that future, violence, division and hate cannot play a part. The hard lessons that history has taught us through the tragic loss of lives and livelihoods – we cannot afford to repeat.”
Prof Osinbajo has said the Observer Group has no executive role but that its function is not to interfere with, but to independently observe the pre-election environment, polling day and in the post-election period. The group will then provide recommendations to improve the process.
Prof. Osinbajo underscored: “In conducting our duties, we will be guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality, objectivity and independence. As we are here in our individual capacities as eminent and experienced Commonwealth citizens, our assessment will be our own, and not that of any member government.
“As this great nation expresses its will for its future, may peace, justice and national unity prevail above all. We enjoin all political parties and their supporters to uphold the commitments of the Electoral Pledge to free, fair and violence-free elections, admirably signed barely two weeks ago.”
A final report by the COG will be subsequently prepared and submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. Then, it will be then shared with relevant stakeholders, including the public.
From 22 June, Commonwealth observers will be deployed in small teams across various parts of the country to observe the voting, counting and results process, as well as meet with other stakeholders in respective locations.
