Monrovia, Liberia – In anticipation of Liberia’s crucial October 10, 2023 elections, the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) has taken a significant step by deploying an esteemed election mission to the capital city, Monrovia.
The distinguished team, led by former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, embarked on their journey from Abuja on a Saturday afternoon. Dr. Jonathan is joined by former Burkina Faso Prime Minister and former President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Kadre Ouedraogo, as well as dedicated personnel from the WAEF secretariat.
The primary objective of this mission is to closely monitor and offer support for peaceful and democratic elections in Liberia, capitalizing on the extensive experience of its members as former leaders within the sub-region.
During their stay, the WAEF mission will engage with key stakeholders, including incumbent President George Weah, who is vying for re-election, opposition figures, the electoral management body, and security authorities.
The WAEF Mission, scheduled to remain in Liberia for approximately 10 days, will meticulously observe the electoral procedures on Election Day, including the results collation process, ensuring their presence throughout until the final results are declared.
Wealth Dickson Ominabo, Communications Officer of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, conveyed a statement on Saturday, quoting Ms. Ann Iyonu, the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and Head of the WAEF Secretariat.
Ms. Iyonu emphasized that the mission would hold consultations with candidates, election management personnel, observer missions, and other key stakeholders to facilitate peaceful and successful election outcomes.
She further clarified that the WAEF Mission’s core function is to offer advisory, mediation, and conflict resolution services to political leaders within the sub-region, reaffirming their commitment to remaining in Liberia until the electoral process concludes harmoniously.
The mission’s activities in Liberia will be guided by the collective experience and wisdom of its members, who have previously overseen elections and successfully facilitated conflict resolution and peace processes within the West African sub-region.
Notably, WAEF has previously conducted similar missions in The Gambia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, underlining its dedication to fostering democracy and stability within the region.
