AU deploys pre-electoral mission to monitor Nigeria’s upcoming elections

ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) – The African Union (AU) said it has deployed a special pre-electoral political mission to Nigeria to oversee ongoing preparations for the upcoming general elections.

The pre-electoral political mission, which is headed by former South African Vice President and AU panel member the wise Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, has been deployed to Nigeria’s capital Abuja from November 26 to December 4, the AU’s department said on Tuesday. In a statement issued late night, the political affairs, peace and security issues were disclosed.

The AU said that the AU’s Special Pre-Election Political Mission for the upcoming general elections to Nigeria consists of the heads of the Pan-African Parliament, AU Commission staff as well as independent election experts.

Nigeria will hold general elections for the presidency and the bicameral National Assembly on February 25, 2023, as well as state elections on March 11, 2023.

The main objective of the AU’s Special Pre-Election Political Mission to Nigeria is to assess the state of preparedness for the General Elections as well as to express solidarity with the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria.

The AU said the mission is part of overall efforts to support Nigeria, aimed at strengthening democracy, peace and stability in line with the mandate given to the AU to promote peaceful, democratic and credible elections. African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and Declaration of Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa in 2002.

While in Abuja, the AU mission is expected to engage with a wide range of key stakeholders in the electoral process, including the independent National Electoral Commission, the Inspector General of Police, the political, to gain perspective on the state of preparations for the election. Others including representatives of parties, media, civil society including youth and women’s organizations.