Jonathan advises Tanzanians on peaceful, transparent elections

says Commonwealth supports East African nation’s democracy

Former President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday advised Tanzanian National Electoral Commission, political parties and the civil society to ensure a peaceful and transparent election, saying only a credible voting process could confer legitimacy on a democratic government.

Jonathan said this in Dar Es Salaam, capital of Tanzania, during his arrival press briefing as the chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) to Tanzania’s October 25 general elections.

The former president, who was flanked by other members of the COG drawn from different parts of the Commonwealth, said that the “success of these elections depends on every stakeholder playing their part in a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner,” saying that the Commonwealth had “every confidence in the people of Tanzania to achieve that.

“During our time in Tanzania, we will seek to assess the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post-election period, against the backdrop of Tanzania’s national legislation, regional and international commitments.

“We will perform our observation role with impartiality, independence and transparency. On Friday 23 October, members of the Group will deploy in small teams to various provinces across the country to observe preparations ahead of polling day. On Election Day, they will observe opening, voting, closing, counting and the results management process.

“We will issue an Interim Statement on our preliminary findings shortly after the elections. A final report will be prepared in Tanzania. It will be submitted to the Secretary-General, and subsequently shared with relevant stakeholders and the public. The Group is scheduled to depart Tanzania on 31 October.”

Speaking further, he said he was “greatly honoured and privileged to have been asked by Commonwealth Secretary-General H.E. Kamalesh Sharma, to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group to Tanzania’s general elections scheduled for 25 October 2015.

“The Group was constituted following an invitation extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania.

“Our Group comprises 14 eminent persons drawn from across the different regions of the Commonwealth, including Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. The Group, which includes experts in politics, elections, media, conflict prevention and youth affairs, arrived yesterday and will stay in Tanzania until 31 October 2015.”