Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who chairs the West Africa Elders Forum—a prominent diplomatic election observation group—has expressed confidence in the Electoral Commission’s (EC) ability to conduct the upcoming elections on December 7.

After leading a delegation from the forum in discussions with the EC, Mr. Jonathan noted that the Commission has effectively communicated its preparedness to facilitate a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.

Additionally, a courtesy visit was made by the West Africa Election Observers Network, led by its chairman, Rev. James Lahai, who is also the National Coordinator for National Election Watch in Sierra Leone.

Mr. Jonathan mentioned that when the forum, consisting of former leaders from West African nations, raised concerns from various stakeholders, the EC provided thorough and satisfactory answers. He concluded that these responses reflect the EC's readiness to ensure a peaceful and successful election on December 7, 2024.

“We had a robust discussion with the EC. We’ve seen the passion they have; the commitment they have for conducting successful elections, and what they have done so far, it is key.

“We had interactions with a number of people before coming here, and all the issues they raised, which we put across to her, she’s explained perfectly. And we have no iota of doubt about the competence and the willingness for the Commission to do what is right, come the December Elections,” he stated.

Mr. Jonathan urged other stakeholders and Ghanaians to uphold their reputation as a beacon of democracy, contributing to the pride of West Africa and the broader continent.

Rev. Lahai, on his part, noted that the Electoral Commission has shown a willingness to engage in discussions aimed at facilitating free, fair, and transparent elections.

He emphasised that their visit and discussions with the EC were productive, as the Commission addressed several critical concerns raised by various players involved in the upcoming elections.

Furthermore, Rev. Lahai stated that the West African Election Observers Network would continue its fact-finding efforts with other key stakeholders and had recently interacted with the media to share their findings from these engagements.

Later, the Chairperson of the EC, Jean Adukwei Mensa, spoke to the media about the importance of their collaboration with the forum.

“This evening we've had the opportunity to meet and interact with the West Africa Election Observers Network and the West Africa Elders Forum.”

“While we have shared with them our experiences and preparedness for the elections on December 7, 2024, they also shared with us some of their ideas, some of their experiences, and some of the best practices from their own countries,” she said.

Mrs Mensa stated that the commission also informed the two groups about the election process and addressed concerns that they raised over the electoral process to ensure that the commission was on top of issues to deliver credible, free, and fair elections.