By John Ikani
Former Nigerian leader, Goodluck Jonathan, is scheduled to visit Zimbabwe in the lead-up to the general elections on 23 August.
Jonathan will be visiting the Southern African country in his capacity as the head of the Joint African Union (AU) and Common Market for East and Southern Africa (Comesa) Election Observation Mission (EOM).
Assisting him will be ex-Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda.
According to a statement released by AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat’s statement, the collaborative team will comprise “73 short-term observers (STOs) and three Core Team of electoral experts.”
This contingent is set to arrive on August 16, remain through the announcement of post-election results, and depart on August 29.
The objective of this mission is as follows:
• Provide an accurate and impartial report or assessment of the quality of the elections in Zimbabwe, including the degree to which they meet regional, continental and international standards for democratic elections;
• Offer recommendations for improving future elections based on the findings;
• Demonstrate the AU’s solidarity and support for Zimbabwe’s election and democratisation process, in order to ensure that the conduct of democratic, credible and peaceful elections contributes to the consolidation of democratic governance, peace and stability in the country.
The joint observer team, similar to other observer groups stationed in Zimbabwe, will release their own initial findings report.
According to their statement, “The joint AU-Comesa EOM will engage with several stakeholders and observe the final preparations and polling process. Based on the findings, the joint EOM will issue its preliminary statement after election day.”
Notably, this marks the second time a former Nigerian president has led an observer team to Zimbabwe.
In 2013, Olusegun Obasanjo led a delegation of 69 observers. During that time, Obasanjo dismissed allegations of electoral fraud.
