The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as head of its election observation mission to Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of the country’s October 25 presidential election.
In a statement released on Sunday, ECOWAS said the mission will operate from October 19 to 29, in line with its Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
As head of mission, Osinbajo will lead a team of distinguished West African representatives to engage key national stakeholders and promote a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process in the Francophone nation.
The regional body added that the delegation will collaborate with other international and local observer groups to evaluate the conduct of the polls and enhance public confidence in Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic process.
According to ECOWAS, the deployment reflects its continued commitment to peace, stability, and credible elections across the sub-region.
The upcoming election is taking place amid heightened political tension, as President Alassane Ouattara, 83, seeks a controversial fourth term, despite previously vowing not to run again, a move that has reignited debate over term limits and democratic transition in the country.
