UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, has denounced the recent tragic assaults in Pakistan occurring in the lead-up to the general elections. Offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and swift recovery wishes to the injured, Dr. Jonathan also lauded the courage of security and polling officials in ensuring the electoral process progresses amidst incidents of violence. He remarked, “As the Commonwealth, we stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and are united in our desire to see the strengthening of the Commonwealth Charter values of peace, democracy, tolerance, respect, and understanding”.
Also read: Commonwealth monitors prepare for Pakistan polls
A delegation from the Commonwealth, headed by former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was deployed to monitor the general elections in Pakistan on February 8, 2024. At the behest of the Election Commission of Pakistan, facilitated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a 13-member Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) arrived in Islamabad on February 1 and is remaining in the commonwealth nation until the conclusion of the electoral process. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, assembled the team, comprising experts from diverse fields across the Commonwealth. Tasked with providing an impartial and thorough assessment of the electoral proceedings, the observer group’s presence aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
Also read: Commonwealth election observer team to monitor Pakistan general elections
On the day of the elections, COG members will carefully monitor all facets of the electoral process nationwide, spanning from the opening of polling stations and the voting process to the tabulation of ballots and the announcement of results. After the elections, the group will convene a press briefing and issue an interim statement outlining its initial observations. In adherence to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, of which the Commonwealth Secretariat is a signatory, the group maintains a non-executive role, focused on observation rather than intervention.
In carrying out their duties and conducting assessments, the COG members will uphold principles of neutrality, impartiality, objectivity, and independence. Additionally, with thirty-three percent of the world’s two billion voters hailing from Commonwealth nations, the year 2024 sees elections in sixty countries, underscoring the significance of the Commonwealth’s role in global democracy. At the end of the electoral process, a comprehensive final report, including recommendations to enhance future electoral processes, will be presented to the Government of Pakistan and the Election Commission, as well as disseminated to relevant stakeholders for their consideration.
