By Ọla Kiya, Reporting
THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed more than 150 election observers across Benin Republic ahead of Sunday’s presidential election, as part of efforts to ensure a transparent, credible and peaceful democratic process.
The observers were briefed on Friday in Cotonou during a training session organised by the ECOWAS Observation Mission, led by former Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Addressing the observers, Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of heading the mission, while also commending the people of Benin for their warm hospitality.
The octogenarian said the mission plays a vital role in preserving democracy within the West African sub-region, stressing that election observers must remain impartial, professional and non-partisan in carrying out their duties.
Akufo-Addo disclosed that he arrived in Benin on Wednesday, 8 April, and had since been engaging with key stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
“We are here to observe and report on the election in line with global best practices,” he said.
“Observers must report exactly what they witness and avoid any actions that may negatively interfere with the process.”
He added that the mission was engaging all relevant stakeholders to help create an atmosphere conducive to a free and fair election across the country.
Also speaking at the briefing, ECOWAS official Mr Mamadou Deck outlined key details of the voting process, noting that polling on Sunday would begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
He emphasised that the election must last for a full nine hours, regardless of whether polling starts earlier or later than scheduled.
Deck explained that physically challenged persons and hospitalised voters would be given priority, while proxy and derogation voting arrangements had also been made for sick persons and citizens on essential duties, including journalists stationed away from their designated polling areas.
He further noted that Beninese citizens living abroad would also participate in the election from diaspora locations including the United States, Nigeria, Togo, France and Burkina Faso, among others.
Observers were reminded to strictly adhere to the ECOWAS code of conduct, which includes wearing official identification badges at all times, respecting electoral institutions, maintaining neutrality, producing objective reports and refraining from unauthorised communication with the media.
ECOWAS Deputy Head of Technical Team, Dr Barou Luther Youkou, who spoke extensively on the security situation of the country, also disclosed that observers would not be deployed to the northern part of Benin due to heightened security risks in the area.
The ECOWAS mission is expected to submit a detailed report after the election, documenting its findings and assessment of the electoral process.
What's your reaction?
