The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Yemi Osinbajo, former vice president, to lead its election observation mission to Côte d’Ivoire.
The country’s presidential election is scheduled for October 25.
In a statement on Sunday, ECOWAS said the mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29 in line with the provisions of its supplementary protocol on democracy and good governance.
As head of mission, Osinbajo will lead a team of eminent West Africans to engage key national stakeholders and support a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process in the Francophone country.
The regional bloc said the mission will also cooperate with other international and domestic observer groups to assess the conduct of the polls and strengthen confidence in the democratic process.
ECOWAS added that the deployment underscores its “unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections” across West Africa.
The October 25 poll comes at a delicate time for Côte d’Ivoire’s democracy.
President Alassane Ouattara, 83, is seeking a fourth term in office, despite earlier pledges to step down after his current tenure.
His decision has sparked political tension and renewed debate over term limits and democratic transition in the country.
